I literally screamed when I heard the news this morning! Netflix just dropped the most exciting casting announcement for One Piece Live Action Season 3, and I’m still shaking with excitement. Cole Escola, that incredible Tony-winning powerhouse from “Oh, Mary!”, is officially joining the cast as none other than Bon Clay! And get this – they’re announcing this before Season 2 has even premiered! How amazing is that?
Who Is Cole Escola? The Perfect Bon Clay!
Let me tell you something about Cole Escola – this person is absolutely perfect for Bon Clay. I’ve been following their career for years, and when I heard they won the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play for “Oh, Mary!” earlier this year, I just knew bigger things were coming for them. If you haven’t seen their performance as Mary Todd Lincoln in that Broadway show, you’re missing out on something truly special.
Cole is this incredible performer who can balance sharp comedic timing with genuine emotional depth. They’ve appeared in shows like “Search Party,” “At Home With Amy Sedaris,” and “Difficult People,” but it’s their stage work that really shows what they’re capable of. The way they can transform into completely different characters while maintaining this authentic core is exactly what Bon Clay needs.
What makes this casting even more perfect is that Cole is non-binary and uses they/them pronouns, just like how Bon Clay is being envisioned in the live-action adaptation. This isn’t just some random casting choice – this is thoughtful, meaningful representation that honors the character while bringing something fresh to the table.
Bon Clay: More Than Just a Villain
Okay, let’s talk about Bon Clay for a minute because if you’re not familiar with One Piece, you might not understand why this casting is such a huge deal. Bon Clay, also known as Mr. 2 Bon Kurei or Bentham, is one of the most beloved characters in the entire One Piece universe. And trust me, that’s saying something considering how many amazing characters Eiichiro Oda has created over the years.
Bon Clay starts as a villain – a member of Baroque Works with this flamboyant, swan-inspired aesthetic and the ability to transform into anyone they’ve touched with their right hand. But here’s the thing about Bon Clay – they’re not just some one-dimensional bad guy. This character has so much depth, so much heart, and their journey from antagonist to ally is one of the most satisfying in the entire series.
The official character description Netflix released says it all: “A master of performance and precision, Bon Clay is as dangerous as they are dazzling — a theatrical assassin who turns combat into art.” I mean, come on! How perfect is that for someone like Cole Escola?
Why This Casting Works on Every Level?
I’ve been thinking about this casting non-stop since the announcement dropped, and the more I think about it, the more brilliant it becomes. Let me break down why this works so well:
The Theatrical Nature
Bon Clay is literally all about performance. Their whole thing is this over-the-top, theatrical presentation that’s both intimidating and captivating. Cole Escola literally made their name in theater, winning a Tony for crying out loud! They understand what it means to transform on stage, to become someone else completely while still maintaining that core authenticity.
The Comedy and Heart Balance
One of the things that makes Bon Clay such a great character is how they can be absolutely hilarious one moment and deeply touching the next. Cole has proven time and time again that they can nail this balance. In “Oh, Mary!” they had audiences laughing hysterically one minute and reaching for tissues the next. That’s exactly the range Bon Clay needs.
The Physicality
Bon Clay is a fighter, someone who can hold their own in combat while maintaining this graceful, almost ballet-like quality. Cole, with their background in performance and physical comedy, has the kind of body awareness and control that could make Bon Clay’s fight scenes absolutely spectacular to watch.
The Representation
Let’s be real – representation matters. Having a non-binary actor play a character who’s being reimagined as non-binary in the live-action adaptation is huge. It’s not just about checking boxes; it’s about bringing authenticity to the role and showing audiences that characters like Bon Clay can be portrayed with depth and respect.
What This Means for Season 3
Now, I know what some of you might be thinking – “Season 2 hasn’t even come out yet, why are we talking about Season 3?” And honestly, that’s a fair question. But let me tell you why this early announcement is actually brilliant.
First, it shows that Netflix has tremendous confidence in this series. They’re not waiting to see how Season 2 performs before moving forward with Season 3 – they’re already in production planning mode, which tells me they believe in the long-term success of this adaptation.
Second, this casting almost confirms that Season 3 will cover the Alabasta arc, which is where Bon Clay really shines. For those of you who know the manga and anime, you understand how significant this arc is for the overall story. It’s where Luffy and the Straw Hats face off against Crocodile and Baroque Works, and Bon Clay plays a crucial role in that storyline.
Speaking of Baroque Works, we already know some of the other cast members who’ll be joining Cole in Season 3:
- Joe Manganiello as Mr. 0/Sir Crocodile (the big bad of the arc)
- Sophia Anne Caruso as Miss Goldenweek
- Sendhil Ramamurthy as King Nefertari Cobra of Alabasta
That’s one heck of a lineup, if you ask me!
The Bigger Picture: One Piece Live Action is Here to Stay
Let’s zoom out for a second and look at what this means for the One Piece live-action series as a whole. Season 1 was a massive success – we’re talking about a show that reached No. 1 in over 75 countries, became Netflix’s first English-language series to debut at No. 1 in Japan, and amassed nearly 100 million views. It was even nominated for 11 Children’s & Family Emmy Awards!
When I first heard they were making a live-action One Piece, I’ll admit I was skeptical. So many anime adaptations have missed the mark over the years. But then I watched Season 1, and I was blown away by how much heart and respect they put into it. They really understood what makes One Piece special – the characters, the adventure, the emotional core.
Now, with casting announcements like this for Season 3, it’s clear that Netflix isn’t just treating this as some quick cash grab. They’re building something special here, something that could potentially run for years and cover more of the incredible story that Eiichiro Oda has created.
What We Know About Season 2 (And Why It Matters)
Since we’re talking about Season 3 casting, I should probably mention what we know about Season 2, which is set to premiere on March 10, 2026. The season is titled “One Piece: Into the Grand Line,” which tells me they’re really leaning into the next phase of Luffy’s journey.
From what I’ve seen and heard, Season 2 will adapt the Little Garden arc and possibly others leading up to Alabasta. We’ve already gotten some behind-the-scenes looks at the Going Merry and teases about the Straw Hats taking on Baroque Works members Miss All Sunday and Miss Wednesday. Entertainment Weekly even revealed an exclusive first look at Laboon, the scarred whale, and Game of Thrones alum Clive Russell as his caretaker, Crocus.
The fact that they’re already casting for Season 3 while Season 2 is still in post-production tells me that the production pipeline is moving smoothly and that Netflix is committed to keeping the momentum going. As a fan, that’s incredibly exciting to hear.
Fan Reactions: The Internet is Losing Its Mind!
I’ve been scrolling through social media since the announcement dropped, and let me tell you – the fan reactions are absolutely priceless. Everyone seems to be just as excited as I am about this casting choice. Here are some of my favorite reactions I’ve seen:
“He is literally perfect for it haha,” said one fan.
“Netflix did their homework well 😭😭😭 casted a drag queen to play a drag queen, not just some random funny dude 👑💅🏻 this is a big win for the fandom omg omg omg,” added another fan.
“Great!! 👏 love that a nonbinary is cast to play nonbinary characters 💙 Bon-Chan,” Stated by another fan.
Honestly, I couldn’t agree more. This feels like one of those rare casting choices where everything just clicks into place perfectly. It’s not just about getting a big name or someone who looks the part – it’s about finding someone who truly understands the character and can bring them to life in a way that honors the source material while still feeling fresh and new.
What Makes Bon Clay Such a Special Character?
For those of you who might be new to One Piece, let me take a moment to explain why Bon Clay is such a beloved character in the fandom. At first glance, Bon Clay might seem like just another flamboyant villain – and don’t get me wrong, they are definitely flamboyant! But there’s so much more to them than that.
Bon Clay possesses the Clone-Clone Fruit (Mane Mane no Mi), which allows them to transform into an exact copy of anyone they’ve touched with their right hand. This ability makes them a formidable opponent, but it’s also symbolic of their character – someone who can wear many faces but ultimately has to confront who they truly are.
What really makes Bon Clay special, though, is their character arc. Without getting too spoilery for those who haven’t read the manga or watched the anime, Bon Clay undergoes one of the most significant transformations of any character in the series. They go from being an antagonist to someone who develops a genuine bond with Luffy and the Straw Hats, showing incredible loyalty and sacrifice along the way.
There’s this moment later in the series (again, trying not to spoil too much) where Bon Clay does something so selfless and brave that it literally brings tears to my eyes every time I think about it. It’s moments like that that show why this character resonates so deeply with fans.
Cole Escola’s Journey to Bon Clay
I find it fascinating to look at Cole Escola’s career trajectory and see how it’s led them to this role. Born in Clatskanie, Oregon, Cole has been working in comedy and performance for years, building up this incredible body of work that showcases their versatility and talent.
They first gained wider recognition through their work on shows like “Difficult People” and “At Home With Amy Sedaris,” where their unique comedic style really started to shine. But it was their work on “Search Party” that really showed me they had the range for something like Bon Clay. In that show, they played this character named Chip Wreck who was both hilarious and surprisingly complex.
Then came “Oh, Mary!” – the Broadway play that Cole wrote and starred in as Mary Todd Lincoln. This was their breakthrough moment, the performance that earned them that Tony Award and really put them on the map as a serious actor to watch. What I love about this play is how it balances historical drama with absurdist comedy, which is basically the perfect training ground for a character like Bon Clay.
Now, with this role in One Piece, Cole is stepping into the mainstream in a big way. They’re also set to appear in the A24 comedy “Jonty” opposite Jesse Plemons and in the animated holiday musical “Margie Claus” with Melissa McCarthy. It feels like we’re watching the moment when Cole Escola becomes a household name, and I couldn’t be happier for them.
The Significance of Non-Binary Representation
I want to take a moment to talk about why it’s so important that Cole Escola, a non-binary actor, is playing Bon Clay as a non-binary character in this adaptation. In the original manga and anime, Bon Clay is portrayed as an okama (a Japanese term that can refer to effeminate men, cross-dressers, or transgender women), but the live-action series is reimagining the character as explicitly non-binary.
This matters for several reasons. First, it’s authentic representation. Having a non-binary actor play a non-binary character brings a level of understanding and lived experience to the role that simply wouldn’t be there otherwise. Cole can draw from their own experiences to inform their portrayal in ways that a cisgender actor couldn’t.
Second, it shows that Netflix and the production team are committed to thoughtful, inclusive casting. They’re not just checking boxes or making token gestures – they’re making conscious choices that honor the spirit of the character while updating it for contemporary audiences.
Third, and perhaps most importantly, it gives non-binary fans someone to see themselves reflected in on screen. Representation matters, and seeing a character like Bon Clay – who is complex, powerful, and ultimately heroic – portrayed by a non-binary actor can be incredibly meaningful for viewers who rarely see themselves represented in mainstream media.
What to Expect from Bon Clay in Season 3?
While we don’t have official plot details for Season 3 yet, the casting of Bon Clay gives us some pretty strong clues about what to expect. Based on the source material, here’s what I think we can look forward to:
The Introduction of Baroque Works
Bon Clay is a member of Baroque Works, so their appearance likely means we’ll be diving deeper into this shadowy organization. We already know Joe Manganiello is playing Sir Crocodile, the leader of Baroque Works, so I’m expecting some incredible scenes between these two characters.
The Alabasta Arc
Bon Clay plays a crucial role in the Alabasta arc, which is one of the most significant storylines in early One Piece. If Season 3 covers this arc (and all signs point to yes), we’re in for some epic adventures, political intrigue, and emotional moments.
Bon Clay’s Powers
I’m really excited to see how they bring Bon Clay’s Clone-Clone Fruit powers to life in live action. The visual effects potential here is enormous, and with Netflix’s budget, I’m expecting some truly spectacular transformation sequences.
The Character Arc
Without spoiling too much, Bon Clay has one of the most compelling character arcs in the entire series. I’m really curious to see how the live-action adaptation handles this journey and whether they’ll stick closely to the source material or put their own spin on it.
The Production Team Behind the Magic
One thing that gives me confidence about this adaptation is the incredible team behind it. For Season 3, Ian Stokes and Joe Tracz will serve as co-showrunners, writers, and executive producers. These are the same people who helped make Season 1 such a success, so I trust them to handle Bon Clay’s character with care and respect.
The series is produced by Netflix and ITV’s Tomorrow Studios in partnership with Shueisha, which published the original manga series. What’s really exciting is that Eiichiro Oda, the creator of One Piece himself, is involved as an executive producer. This means we’re getting an adaptation that has the blessing and input of the person who knows this world best.
Other executive producers include Marty Adelstein and Becky Clements through Tomorrow Studios, Tetsu Fujimura, Chris Symes, Christoph Schrewe, and Steven Maeda. With this level of talent both in front of and behind the camera, Season 3 is shaping up to be something truly special.
Why This Matters for Anime Adaptations?
The success of One Piece Live Action is significant for the broader world of anime and manga adaptations. For years, we’ve seen so many failed attempts to bring anime to live action – remember Dragonball Evolution? Or the live-action Death Note? These adaptations often missed the mark because they either didn’t understand the source material or tried to change too much about what made the original special.
One Piece, though, feels different. It respects the source material while making smart adaptations for the live-action medium. The casting choices have been consistently excellent, from Iñaki Godoy as Luffy to Mackenyu as Zoro to Emily Rudd as Nami. Each actor brings something authentic to their role while capturing the essence of their characters.
Now, with Cole Escola joining the cast as Bon Clay, they’re continuing this trend of thoughtful, inspired casting. This gives me hope that we might see more quality anime adaptations in the future – adaptations that understand what makes the original work so beloved and find ways to translate that to live action without losing what makes it special.
The Future of One Piece Live Action
Looking ahead, I can’t help but feel excited about where this series could go. One Piece is a massive story with over a thousand manga chapters and anime episodes, but the live-action adaptation seems to be taking its time, adapting the story arc by arc with care and attention to detail.
If they continue at this pace and maintain this level of quality, we could potentially see many seasons of One Piece Live Action, covering more of the epic adventures of Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates. Imagine seeing the Water 7 arc, Enies Lobby, Thriller Bark, Marineford – all brought to life with the same care and attention that we’ve seen so far.
Of course, that’s getting way ahead of ourselves. For now, I’m just excited to see Season 2 when it premieres on March 10, 2026, and I’m already counting down the days until we get to see Cole Escola as Bon Clay in Season 3.
FAQ About Cole Escola as Bon Clay
When will One Piece Season 3 be released?
While there’s no official release date yet, Season 3 is expected to go into production later this year in Cape Town, South Africa. Given that Season 2 premieres in March 2026, we’ll likely see Season 3 sometime in 2027.
Who is Cole Escola?
Cole Escola is a Tony Award-winning actor, writer, and comedian best known for creating and starring in the Broadway play “Oh, Mary!” where they played Mary Todd Lincoln. They’ve also appeared in TV shows like “Search Party,” “At Home With Amy Sedaris,” and “Difficult People.”
What are Bon Clay’s powers?
Bon Clay ate the Clone-Clone Fruit (Mane Mane no Mi), which allows them to transform into an exact copy of anyone they’ve touched with their right hand. This makes them a master of disguise and a formidable opponent in battle.
Is Bon Clay a villain or hero?
Bon Clay starts as a villain and member of Baroque Works but undergoes significant character development throughout the series. Without spoiling too much, they become one of the most complex and ultimately heroic characters in One Piece.
Will Season 3 cover the Alabasta arc?
While not officially confirmed, the casting of Bon Clay and other Baroque Works members strongly suggests that Season 3 will cover the Alabasta arc, which is one of the most significant storylines in early One Piece.
How many seasons of One Piece Live Action are planned?
Netflix hasn’t announced a specific number of seasons, but they renewed the series for Season 3 before Season 2 even premiered, showing their confidence in the long-term potential of the adaptation.
Where can I watch One Piece Live Action?
One Piece Live Action is available exclusively on Netflix. Season 1 is currently streaming, and Season 2 is set to premiere on March 10, 2026.
Who else is cast in Season 3?
Besides Cole Escola as Bon Clay, other cast members announced for Season 3 include Joe Manganiello as Sir Crocodile, Sophia Anne Caruso as Miss Goldenweek, and Sendhil Ramamurthy as King Nefertari Cobra of Alabasta.
Final Thoughts: Why This Casting Is Perfect
As I wrap up this article, I keep coming back to just how perfect this casting choice is. Cole Escola as Bon Clay feels like one of those rare moments where everything just clicks into place – the actor, the character, the timing, everything.
Cole has the theatrical background, the comedic timing, the emotional range, and the personal connection to the character’s identity that Bon Clay needs. They’re coming off the biggest success of their career with “Oh, Mary!” and are poised to become an even bigger star with this role.
For One Piece fans, this casting shows that the people behind the live-action adaptation truly understand and respect the source material. They’re not just making random casting choices – they’re thinking deeply about who would best bring these beloved characters to life.
And for Cole Escola, this role represents a huge opportunity to showcase their talents to a global audience. I have no doubt they’re going to absolutely knock it out of the park and deliver a performance that will delight both longtime One Piece fans and newcomers to the series.
So yeah, I’m excited. I’m really, really excited. March 10, 2026 can’t come soon enough for Season 2, and I’m already counting down the days until we get to see Cole Escola as Bon Clay in Season 3. This is going to be something special, I can just feel it.