Given the disastrous results of adapting Cowboy Bebop, live-action adaptation by Netflix, fans were against the idea of how Eiichiro Oda gave Netflix the permission to do the same with One Piece. And honestly, what we hoped for surprisingly proved us wrong. The Netflix’s live-action adaptation of ‘One Piece‘ received good reviews and fans actually loved the cast the most. As the show gets a greenlight to continue forward for the second season, we already have something exciting to celebrate as Netflix has announced the official casting of Cole Escola as Bon Clay.
Escola, recently came to fame for his performance in ‘Oh Mary!,’ which made him win the Tony Award, is set to bring life to one of Eiichiro Oda’s most best written 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. Alhough they first appear as a flamboyant member of Baroque Works, by the Impel Down Arc, they become one of Luffy’s most loyal allies, symbolizing unconditional friendship and sacrifice.
Cole Escola’s Theatrical Brilliance Meets Bon Clay’s Boundless Spirit
As per the reports, what we know so far is that the 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 anime 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. We are also expecting several more cast members to be announced soon as the team continues to expand the world of the Straw Hats.
Cole Escola’s career so far has shows just how fitting this choice is for him to play Bon Clay. 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 our favorite ballet loving swan.
Expanding the Grand Line: Season 3 Sets Sail with Bigger Ambitions and Deeper Bonds
According to Oda and what we know as long time fans of 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 surely help that energy on screen, ensuring the live-action version keeps the emotional intensity that Oda originally envisioned.
Since its live-action 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.
