Netflix has officially announced that Tony Award-winning performer Cole Escola will step into the flamboyant and high-stakes world of the One Piece live-action series. In one of the most anticipated casting moves for Season 3, Escola has been tapped to play Bentham, better known to fans as the heroic and theatrical assassin Bon Clay (Mr. 2). This casting decision bridges the gap between the prestige of Broadway and the expansive, fantastical universe created by Eiichiro Oda, signaling a commitment to both character depth and authentic representation.

The announcement comes at a pivotal moment for the production. While Season 2, titled One Piece: Into the Grand Line, is slated for a March 10, 2026 release, Netflix’s early renewal of Season 3 reflects immense confidence in the series' continued global dominance. By securing Escola early, the production team ensures that one of the manga’s most beloved figures will be portrayed by a performer whose career has been defined by the very "theatrical precision" the role demands.

The Artistic Journey of Cole Escola

To understand why the casting of Cole Escola has sent shockwaves of excitement through both the anime community and the theater world, one must look at the actor's trajectory. Born in 1986 in Clatskanie, Oregon, Escola's rise to stardom was not via the traditional Hollywood machine but through the vibrant, often surrealist cabaret and comedy scenes of New York City.

Escola first gained a cult following as the co-creator and star of Jeffrey and Cole Casserole, a lo-fi comedic masterpiece that showcased their ability to inhabit multiple characters with terrifyingly sharp wit. This versatility became their trademark. Before the One Piece news, Escola was already a celebrated figure in television, with notable roles in Search Party, Difficult People, and At Home with Amy Sedaris.

However, it was the 2024-2025 Broadway season that solidified Escola as a generational talent. Their play Oh, Mary!—a dark, campy, and profoundly original reimagining of Mary Todd Lincoln’s life—became a runaway success. Escola not only wrote the play but also starred in the title role, eventually making history as the first openly non-binary performer to win the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play.

This background is critical for the role of Bon Clay. The character in One Piece is a master of performance, a "theatrical assassin" who views combat as a form of art. Escola’s ability to balance high-concept camp with genuine emotional vulnerability is exactly what is required to bring Bentham to life.

Who is Bon Clay in the One Piece Universe?

For those unfamiliar with the source material, Bon Clay is far more than a simple villain. Introduced during the Arabasta Saga as Mr. 2, a high-ranking member of the criminal syndicate Baroque Works, the character is instantly recognizable by their ballet-inspired attire, swan-themed motifs, and exuberant personality.

The Mane Mane no Mi (Clone-Clone Fruit)

At the heart of Bon Clay’s utility is the Mane Mane no Mi, a Paramecia-type Devil Fruit. This power allows the user to transform into a physical double of anyone they have touched. Unlike a simple disguise, the transformation includes the person's voice and physical stature. In the hands of a "master of performance," as Netflix describes the live-action version, this ability makes Bon Clay a formidable spy and a psychological weapon.

From Antagonist to Ally

While initially an enemy of Monkey D. Luffy and the Straw Hat pirates, Bon Clay’s journey is one of the most poignant redemption arcs in the series. The character operates under the philosophy of "The Okama Way"—a code of loyalty, friendship, and self-expression that transcends traditional gender binaries.

Bon Clay’s eventual friendship with Luffy is built on a mutual respect for "heart" rather than factional loyalty. In the manga, Bentham’s sacrifices for the crew are among the most emotional moments of the early sagas. For the live-action series to succeed in Season 3, the actor must be able to sell the transition from a dangerous, eccentric foe to a loyal friend who would risk everything for the Straw Hats.

Why This Casting is a Win for Representation

The One Piece manga has long been noted for its diverse and often gender-non-conforming cast of characters. In the original Japanese text and anime, Bon Clay belongs to the "Okama" subculture, a term that carries complex cultural weight in Japan, often referring to queer or gender-fluid individuals.

By casting Cole Escola, an openly non-binary performer, Netflix is modernizing the character’s representation for a global audience. The streaming giant’s character description specifically refers to Bon Clay using they/them pronouns, aligning the character’s identity with that of the actor.

In our analysis of contemporary media adaptations, this move is a significant step toward "identity-conscious casting." Rather than merely casting for physical resemblance, the production has chosen an actor who understands the lived experience of navigating the world outside the gender binary. This adds a layer of authenticity to Bon Clay’s "theatricality"—it is no longer just a costume, but a core part of their identity.

Production Insights for Season 3

While much of the public focus is currently on the upcoming Season 2, the production for Season 3 is already moving at full speed. Filming is set to return to Cape Town, South Africa, which has served as the home base for the Straw Hats' ships and the exotic locales of the East Blue and the Grand Line.

The Arabasta Arc Focus

Season 3 is expected to cover the climax of the Arabasta Saga. This means the stakes will be significantly higher than in Season 1. The introduction of Bon Clay signifies that the series is moving into the heart of the conflict involving Sir Crocodile and the liberation of the desert kingdom.

The production team, led by co-showrunners Joe Tracz and Ian Stokes for the third season, will have the challenge of balancing the high-fantasy elements of the Arabasta desert with the character-driven drama that made the first season a hit. The involvement of original creator Eiichiro Oda as an executive producer ensures that the "spirit" of these characters remains intact, even as they are adapted for a Western television format.

The Technical Requirements for Bon Clay

Bringing Bon Clay to life involves more than just acting. The character is known for a unique fighting style called Okama Kenpo, which blends powerful kicks with balletic grace. This will likely require Escola to undergo significant physical training to handle the wire-work and choreography necessary to make the combat look "dazzling" rather than just comical.

Furthermore, the "Clone-Clone Fruit" powers will present an interesting challenge for the visual effects (VFX) team and the makeup department. We can expect to see Escola "transforming" into other members of the cast, requiring a seamless integration of performance and digital editing.

Anticipating the Chemistry with the Straw Hats

One of the highlights of the first season was the chemistry between the core cast: Iñaki Godoy (Luffy), Mackenyu (Zoro), Emily Rudd (Nami), Jacob Romero (Usopp), and Taz Skylar (Sanji). The addition of Cole Escola to this ensemble creates a fascinating dynamic.

In the manga, the first meeting between Luffy and Bon Clay is a comedic tour de force, as the two realize they share a similar sense of humor and appreciation for "weird" things. Seeing Iñaki Godoy’s infectious energy play off Escola’s seasoned comedic timing is something fans are already visualizing.

Moreover, the rivalry/friendship between Bon Clay and Sanji (Taz Skylar) is a fan-favorite subplot. Their eventual duel is one of the most balanced and respectful fights in the series. Given Taz Skylar’s commitment to doing his own stunts and his high-level martial arts training, the pairing with Escola promises a spectacle that is both physically impressive and narratively rich.

The Cultural Impact of One Piece Live-Action

Netflix's One Piece has defied the "curse" of live-action anime adaptations. Its success is rooted in its willingness to embrace the source material's "weirdness" while grounding it in real human emotion. The casting of Cole Escola is a continuation of this strategy.

By choosing a Tony winner, Netflix is signaling that it views One Piece not just as a "genre show" or "kids' content," but as a prestige production that requires top-tier acting talent. Escola’s presence brings a different kind of "clout" to the series—one that bridges the gap between internet fandom and the high-art establishment of New York and London theaters.

Summary of the Journey Ahead

The road to the Grand Line is long, and the sands of Arabasta are unforgiving. However, with Cole Escola joining the crew as Bon Clay, the One Piece live-action series has secured its most important asset for Season 3.

Escola brings a rare combination of:

  • Theatrical Mastery: Necessary for Bon Clay's larger-than-life presence.
  • Authentic Representation: Aligning the character's non-binary identity with the actor's real-world identity.
  • Comedic and Dramatic Range: Essential for a character that transitions from a villainous assassin to a sacrificial hero.

As fans wait for Season 2 to debut in 2026, the news of this casting provides a bright spot on the horizon, promising that the world of One Piece will only continue to grow in complexity, inclusivity, and heart.

FAQ: Cole Escola and One Piece Season 3

Is Cole Escola playing Bon Clay in Season 2 or Season 3?

Cole Escola is officially cast for Season 3. While Season 2 is currently in the spotlight and expected to premiere in March 2026, Escola will make their major debut in the subsequent season, which focuses on the climax of the Arabasta arc.

What are Cole Escola’s pronouns?

Cole Escola is non-binary and uses they/them pronouns. Netflix has also updated the character description for Bon Clay in the live-action series to use they/them pronouns, reflecting an inclusive approach to the character.

What is Cole Escola famous for?

Before joining One Piece, Cole Escola was most famous for their work on Broadway and in cult-hit television. They won a Tony Award in 2025 for their play Oh, Mary!. They are also known for roles in Search Party, Difficult People, and At Home with Amy Sedaris.

Why is Bon Clay such an important character in One Piece?

Bon Clay (Bentham) is significant because they are one of the few characters who starts as a villain but becomes one of Luffy’s most loyal and selfless friends. They represent the theme of "friendship beyond boundaries" and are a pioneer of gender-fluid representation in manga history.

Will the live-action Bon Clay have the same powers as the anime?

Yes, Netflix has confirmed that Bon Clay is a "master of performance and precision" and an assassin. This implies the inclusion of the Mane Mane no Mi (Clone-Clone Fruit) powers, which allow the character to mimic anyone they touch.