One Piece Live-Action Season 3 Casts Cole Escola as Bon Clay

Get ready, Straw Hat fans! Netflix's live-action One Piece has just revealed its first major Season 3 casting, and it's a huge fan-favorite: the incredibly talented Cole Escola will be joining the crew as Bon Clay!

TL;DR

Tony-winner Cole Escola will play the iconic, flamboyant Bon Clay as a series regular in One Piece Season 3.
This casting brings authentic non-binary representation to the beloved character, aligning with Escola's own identity.
While we wait for Season 3 (filming later this year), One Piece: Into the Grand Line (Season 2) sets sail on Netflix on March 10, 2026.

Prepare to Be Dazzled: Cole Escola Embodies the Theatrical Bon Clay

One Piece Live-Action Season 3 Lands Tony-Winner Cole Escola as Fan-Favorite Bon Clay! image 3

The news is officially out, and it's a casting choice that has fans buzzing: Cole Escola has been tapped to bring the unforgettable character of Bon Clay (also known as Bentham or Mr. 2 Bon Kurei) to life in the highly anticipated third season of Netflix's live-action One Piece. This isn't just any casting; it's the first big announcement for Season 3, setting the stage for more excitement down the line.

If you know Bon Clay from the manga or anime, you know they're a master of performance and precision. Netflix describes them as "dangerous as they are dazzling – a theatrical assassin who turns combat into art." Their flamboyant ballet moves and swan-inspired look are iconic, and honestly, the fit with Cole Escola couldn't be more perfect. Escola is known for their unique comedic timing, incredible stage presence, and captivating charisma, making them an ideal choice for this larger-than-life character.

An Authentic Portrayal: Non-Binary Representation on the High Seas

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One of the most exciting aspects of this casting is the genuine representation it brings. Bon Clay, in the original manga, is an "okama" character, a term in Japanese that can refer to gender nonconforming men, trans women, and crossdressers. The live-action series is specifically envisioning Bon Clay as non-binary, a decision that aligns beautifully with Cole Escola's own identity as a non-binary actor who uses they/them pronouns.

This means we're getting a portrayal that moves beyond past comedic interpretations and embraces the character's gender fluidity with respect and authenticity. Escola has been a trailblazer, recently making history as the first out non-binary person to win a Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play. Their visibility and talent are set to bring a new, heartfelt layer to Bon Clay, ensuring the character is both hilarious and deeply honorable, just as fans cherish them.

When asked for advice to LGBTQ+ youth on the Tony Awards red carpet, Cole Escola famously responded:

"You're right. Everyone else is wrong."

Bon Clay's Twisty Path: From Antagonist to Unexpected Ally

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In the expansive world of One Piece, Bon Clay initially rolls in as a high-ranking agent of the Baroque Works organization, making them a significant antagonist during the Arabasta Saga. They're connected to the infamous Mr. 0 (aka Crocodile), who will be portrayed by Joe Manganiello in Season 2. But as many fans know, Bon Clay's journey is far from straightforward. True to the spirit of Monkey D. Luffy, who has a knack for turning foes into friends, Bon Clay eventually becomes one of the Straw Hats' most loyal and self-sacrificing allies.

Known for their ability to shapeshift after eating the Clone-Clone Fruit, Bon Clay's powers allow them to mimic anyone they've touched. This not only adds to their "theatrical assassin" persona but also creates endless possibilities for dramatic and comedic moments. Given that Bon Clay is introduced towards the end of the Drum Island arc in the original story, there's even a chance we might get a sneak peek of them in the post-credits scene of Season 2, much like how Smoker was teased at the end of Season 1.

What's Ahead: Season 2 and Season 3 Production Details

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While Cole Escola's casting is for Season 3, don't forget that Season 2, titled One Piece: Into the Grand Line, is just around the corner! Mark your calendars because it's set to premiere on Netflix on March 10, 2026. This season will plunge Luffy and his crew into the unpredictable and dangerous waters of the Grand Line, where they'll face off against new enemies, including the criminal syndicate Baroque Works.

And for Season 3, production is gearing up to start "later this year" in Cape Town, South Africa. Ian Stokes and Joe Tracz are taking the reins as co-showrunners, writers, and executive producers for the third installment, alongside original creator Eiichiro Oda and many others. We're expecting more casting announcements for Season 3 as production gets underway, so keep your spyglass peeled!

Season 2 is already packed with a fantastic roster of new characters and cast members. Here are some of the key players you can look forward to seeing:

Mikaela Hoover as Tony Tony Chopper (voice)
Callum Kerr as Smoker
Julia Rehwald as Tashigi
Charithra Chandran as Miss Wednesday
Joe Manganiello as Mr. 0 / Crocodile
Lera Abova as Miss All Sunday
David Dastmalchian as Mr. 3
Katey Sagal as Dr. Kureha
Mark Harelik as Dr. Hiriluk
And many more, including Jazzara Jaslyn (Miss Valentine), Camrus Johnson (Mr. 5), Sophia Anne Caruso (Miss Goldenweek), Clive Russell (Crocus), and Rob Colletti (Wapol).

Cole Escola's Banner Year: From Broadway Star to Pirate Assassin

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This casting news comes after an incredible run for Cole Escola. They recently garnered massive critical acclaim and a Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play for their self-written hit Broadway play, Oh Mary!. This historical win not only cemented their status as a Broadway sensation but also marked a significant moment for non-binary representation in theater.

Beyond the stage, Escola is a familiar face on screen, having written for and guest-starred on shows like At Home with Amy Sedaris (winning a WGA Award), and appeared in favorites such as Difficult People, Search Party, Mozart in the Jungle, and Big Mouth. Next up, they're set to star opposite Jesse Plemons in the A24 comedy Jonty. Their unique blend of sharp wit, comedic timing, and undeniable stage presence makes them a truly exceptional choice to bring Bon Clay's theatrical flair and deep emotional core to the Netflix series.

Why This Casting Excites Fans and Elevates the Live-Action Experience

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The success of Netflix's One Piece Season 1 was monumental. It spent eight weeks on Netflix's Global Top 10, hit #1 in over 75 countries, and became the streamer's first English-language series to debut at #1 in Japan. With nearly 100 million views, it's clear the show resonated deeply with both long-time fans and newcomers.

This casting of Cole Escola as Bon Clay further demonstrates the production team's commitment to thoughtful and impactful character portrayal. By casting a non-binary actor for a gender-fluid character, the series not only honors the spirit of Eiichiro Oda's original creation but also enhances the show's already diverse and inclusive casting. It sends a powerful message about representation and ensures that beloved characters are brought to life with nuance and respect.

So, as we eagerly await the Straw Hats' journey Into the Grand Line with Season 2 in March 2026, the anticipation for Bon Clay's grand entrance in Season 3 just got a whole lot higher. Get ready for a dazzling, dangerous, and deeply moving performance from Cole Escola!

Frequently Asked Questions About One Piece Live-Action's Future

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When does One Piece Live-Action Season 2 premiere on Netflix?

One Piece: Into the Grand Line (Season 2) is scheduled to premiere on Netflix on March 10, 2026.

Who is Cole Escola playing in One Piece Live-Action Season 3?

Cole Escola has been cast as the fan-favorite character Bon Clay, also known as Bentham or Mr. 2 Bon Kurei, a theatrical assassin and former Baroque Works agent.

Is Cole Escola non-binary, and how does this relate to Bon Clay?

Yes, Cole Escola is non-binary and uses they/them pronouns. The live-action series is envisioning Bon Clay as non-binary, making this a highly authentic and significant casting choice for representation.