Netflix’s live-action adaptation of One Piece continues to build excitement as it gears up for its third season, officially announcing Cole Escola as the fan-favorite Bon Clay. Escola, a Broadway star renowned for their stage charisma and sharp comedic edge, joins the ensemble as the flamboyant assassin central to the Arabasta Arc, one of the series’ most emotionally charged storylines. Production is slated to begin later this year in Cape Town, South Africa, with Escola set to become a main cast member.

Known for their masterful blend of performance and precision, Bon Clay (also known as Mr. 2) is one of One Piece’s most complex characters—both villain and eventual ally. With their towering frame, ballet-inspired swan costume, and penchant for dramatic flair, Bon Clay’s duel with Monkey D. Luffy is expected to be a highlight of the upcoming season. Fans of the original manga and anime will recall Bon Clay’s later transformation into a heroic figure, suggesting that Escola’s portrayal could become a long-term fixture in the Netflix series.

The casting reveal follows the confirmation that Season 2, subtitled “Into the Grand Line,” will premiere on March 10. The upcoming season will follow Luffy (Iñaki Godoy) and the Straw Hat crew as they enter the treacherous Grand Line, a mysterious sea of powerful pirates, surreal islands, and escalating dangers. The announcement marks another step forward in Netflix’s ambitious adaptation, which has received widespread praise for capturing the spirit and heart of Eiichiro Oda’s legendary manga.

Cole Escola’s addition adds both star power and stagecraft to the production. The Tony Award-winning actor and playwright is best known for their hit Broadway play Oh, Mary!, which earned them a Tony for Best Actor in a Play in 2024. On television, Escola’s credits include HBO Max’s Search Party, Hulu’s Difficult People, and Showtime’s Ziwe, where they showcased their trademark mix of wit and eccentricity qualities that align perfectly with Bon Clay’s unpredictable persona.

The One Piece live-action series is co-produced by Netflix and Tomorrow Studios, in collaboration with Shueisha, the publisher of the original manga. Season 3 will be helmed by showrunners Joe Tracz and Ian Stokes, alongside executive producers Eiichiro Oda, Marty Adelstein, Becky Clements, and others. The decision to cast Escola continues Netflix’s commitment to diverse, dynamic, and faithful storytelling, setting high expectations for the next voyage into the Grand Line.