As Netflix’s One Piece prepares to set sail for its third season, the streamer has announced a casting that has electrified fans around the world. Cole Escola, the Tony Award-winning performer known for their wit, theatrical brilliance, and unapologetic authenticity, will portray Bon Clay (Mr. 2) — one of the most flamboyant and iconic characters in Eiichiro Oda’s beloved manga and anime series.
Season 3 will adapt the Alabasta Arc, a fan-favourite storyline that introduces some of the most memorable characters in the One Piece universe. Escola’s casting marks Netflix’s first major announcement for the season, with production slated to begin in Cape Town, South Africa, later this year.
Who Is Bon Clay (Mr. 2)?
Bon Clay, also known as Bentham or Mr. 2 Bon Kurei, is one of the most charismatic characters in One Piece. A member of Baroque Works, Bon Clay is both a skilled assassin and a master of performance.
| Character Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Bentham (Mr. 2 Bon Kurei) |
| Affiliation | Baroque Works |
| Alias | Bon Clay |
| Powers | Mane Mane no Mi (Clone-Clone Fruit) |
| Personality | Theatrical, Loyal, Fierce, and Flamboyant |
| Notable Arc | Alabasta Arc |
| Relationship with Straw Hats | Starts as an enemy, becomes a friend and ally |
Bon Clay’s charm comes from their duality — a deadly fighter who embodies grace, empathy, and flamboyance in equal measure. Fans adore the character’s loyalty and theatrical flair, making Bon Clay one of One Piece’s most enduring icons.
Why Cole Escola Is a Perfect Fit?
Casting Cole Escola as Bon Clay is a move many fans are calling “inspired genius.” Escola (they/them) is a comedian, actor, singer, and playwright, renowned for seamlessly blending humor with emotional depth — a trait that mirrors Bon Clay’s own personality.
Escola made history as the first non-binary performer to win a Tony Award for Best Actor for their role in Oh, Mary!, a surreal and acclaimed Broadway play where they portrayed Mary Todd Lincoln.
In an interview, Escola reflected on their creative journey:
“I’ve always been drawn to characters that live out loud — people who embrace who they are without apology. Bon Clay feels like that kind of energy, but on an even grander, more joyous scale.”
Their casting has been met with enthusiastic approval across social media, with fans celebrating Netflix’s decision to bring a performer of Escola’s range and identity to such an iconic queer-coded role.
From Broadway to the Grand Line
Escola’s career spans both stage and screen. They’ve starred in shows like Search Party, Big Mouth, The Girls on the Bus, and The Simpsons. Their sharp humor and transformative acting have earned praise from critics and audiences alike.
| Cole Escola – Career Snapshot | Details |
|---|---|
| Breakout Work | Oh, Mary! (Broadway, 2024) |
| Awards | Tony Award – Best Actor |
| Other Credits | Search Party, Tuca & Bertie, At Home with Amy Sedaris |
| Upcoming Project | Jonty (A24 comedy film with Jesse Plemons) |
| Distinction | First non-binary actor to win a Tony in a lead role |
With One Piece, Escola now joins one of Netflix’s most successful global franchises. Season 1 was a massive hit, spending eight weeks in Netflix’s Global Top 10 and topping charts in more than 75 countries — including Japan, where it became the first English-language series to debut at No. 1.
The Growing Cast of One Piece Season 3
Season 3 of One Piece, titled Into the Grand Line, will continue the story of Monkey D. Luffy (Iñaki Godoy) and his crew as they pursue the fabled treasure, One Piece. Returning cast members include:
- Mackenyu as Roronoa Zoro
- Emily Rudd as Nami
- Jacob Romero as Usopp
- Taz Skylar as Sanji
With Escola’s Bon Clay joining the mix, fans can expect an unforgettable interpretation of the Alabasta Saga, complete with intrigue, emotional depth, and high-stakes adventure.
What Makes Bon Clay’s Inclusion Special?
Bon Clay’s story arc in One Piece has long been celebrated for its themes of identity and self-sacrifice. Originally introduced as a villain, Bon Clay eventually becomes a hero, standing by Luffy and the Straw Hats during pivotal battles.
Their mantra — “Okama Way is to live life your way!” — became an anthem of freedom and self-expression for many fans around the world.
Anime historian Dr. Keiko Tanaka observed:
“Bon Clay’s introduction marked a turning point for representation in shōnen storytelling. The character broke stereotypes through compassion and courage. Netflix’s live-action portrayal could bring that legacy to an even wider audience.”
Production and Creative Team
Netflix’s One Piece continues to be a joint production between Tomorrow Studios (an ITV Studios partner) and Shueisha, the publisher of Eiichiro Oda’s original manga.
Season 3 will be co-showrun by Ian Stokes and Joe Tracz, with Oda, Marty Adelstein, Becky Clements, Tetsu Fujimura, Chris Symes, Christoph Schrewe, and Steven Maeda serving as executive producers.
| Production Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Production Start | Late 2025 |
| Filming Location | Cape Town, South Africa |
| Scheduled Release | Early 2027 (Expected) |
| Showrunners | Ian Stokes & Joe Tracz |
| Producers | Oda, Marty Adelstein, Becky Clements, et al. |
| Studio | Tomorrow Studios (ITV) |
| Distributor | Netflix |
The creative team has promised that Season 3 will be “bigger, brighter, and braver,” expanding the show’s emotional core while deepening fan-favorite relationships.
Netflix’s Confidence in One Piece
After the success of Season 1, Netflix quickly renewed One Piece for multiple seasons. The streamer has invested heavily in production value, special effects, and casting diversity — key reasons the show continues to resonate globally.
The upcoming Season 2, titled One Piece: Into the Grand Line, premieres on March 10, 2026, and will bridge directly into the Alabasta arc for Season 3.
Why This Casting Matters?
Cole Escola’s casting as Bon Clay isn’t just a celebration of performance — it’s also a meaningful step toward inclusivity. The character’s flamboyant energy and emotional complexity have made them a queer icon within anime culture for years.
Escola’s portrayal, infused with their stage experience and authenticity, could make Bon Clay one of the most talked-about characters in Netflix’s entire anime-to-live-action lineup.
Film critic Riley Weston summarises it best:
“Casting Escola isn’t just about showmanship. It’s about honoring the character’s heart. Bon Clay teaches us that kindness and courage can exist even in the loudest forms of self-expression.”
Final Thoughts
With Cole Escola joining One Piece Season 3 as Bon Clay, Netflix’s adaptation continues to prove its commitment to both fan service and forward-thinking storytelling. Escola’s involvement promises a heartfelt, dynamic portrayal that balances humor, depth, and flamboyant flair.
As production begins, one thing is certain — One Piece’s journey into the Alabasta Arc will be more theatrical, emotional, and visually stunning than ever before.
The seas have never looked brighter.
FAQs
Cole Escola will play Bon Clay (Mr. 2), a flamboyant assassin from Baroque Works who later becomes an ally of the Straw Hat Pirates.
Filming is expected to start in late 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa.
While an official date hasn’t been confirmed, Season 3 is expected to arrive in early 2027, following the release of Season 2 in March 2026.
Escola is the first non-binary Tony Award winner and brings a unique blend of humor, authenticity, and theatricality that perfectly suits Bon Clay’s personality.
Season 3 will adapt the Alabasta Arc, one of the most emotional and action-packed storylines in One Piece, introducing Bon Clay, Princess Vivi, and Baroque Works’ central conflict.
