Netflix’s live-action adaptation of ‘One Piece‘ continues to move forward, and fans already have something exciting to celebrate with the official casting of Cole Escola as Bon Clay. Escola, who recently earned a Tony Award for their performance in ‘Oh Mary!,’ will bring to life one of Eiichiro Oda’s most unforgettable character of all time. As long-time fans, we understand how important Bon Clay, also known as Mr. 2 Bon Kurei, is to the One Piece story. Though they first appear as a flamboyant member of Baroque Works, Bon Clay later becomes one of Luffy’s most loyal allies, especially at Impel Down, symbolizing friendship and his sacrifice.
Production for One Piece Season 3 is set to begin in Cape Town, South Africa, where the story will enter the dramatic “Alabasta Arc.” This arc marks a turning point in the series, and with Bon Clay’s introduction, it’s bound to bring new layers and intensity. Escola’s casting was first confirmed shortly after Deadline broke the news. This makes Escola’s casting one of the first major updates as production gears up. We expect several more cast members to be announced soon as the team continues to expand the world of the Straw Hats.
Cole Escola’s Theatrical Brilliance Meets Bon Clay’s Boundless Spirit
Cole Escola’s career so far shows just how fitting this choice is. Beyond their Broadway success, they have also starred in several television shows, such as Tuca & Bertie, Search Party, Big Mouth, The Girls on the Bus, and, most recently, The Simpsons. Given the actor’s stage pedigree and their ability to slip naturally between male- and female-centric roles, there are arguably few performers in Hollywood better suited to play Bon Clay. The character’s identity has always challenged traditional boundaries, and Escola’s own creative range and understanding of performance align perfectly with that spirit.
In One Piece, Bon Clay is described as “a master of performance and precision,” a character who turns combat into an art form. Their swan-inspired look, with his ballet-type fighting style, and over-the-top personality make them both fierce and lovable. Escola’s theatrical background and comic timing will help translate that energy on screen, ensuring the live-action version keeps the emotional balance that Oda originally envisioned.
Expanding the Grand Line: Season 3 Sets Sail with Bigger Ambitions and Deeper Bonds
The upcoming season will once again be led by showrunners Joe Tracz and Ian Stokes, with Eiichiro Oda, Marty Adelstein, Becky Clements, Tetsu Fujimura, Chris Symes, Christoph Schrewe, and Steven Maeda serving as executive producers. One Piece is produced by Netflix in partnership with Shueisha and Tomorrow Studios, the same studio behind Cowboy Bebop.
Since its 2023 debut, One Piece has been one of Netflix’s biggest hits, staying in the Global Top 10 for eight weeks and reaching number one in more than 75 countries, including Japan. With Season 2 set to premiere on March 10, 2026, fans like us can already sense that Season 3 will carry even greater anticipation. After all, Bon Clay’s inclusion means more than just another character, as One Piece will continue to celebrate identity, courage, and friendship in all their forms, just as Eiichiro Oda intended since its debut in 1999.
