The world of live-action anime is about to get a dazzling new player. Cole Escola, fresh off a groundbreaking Tony Award win, is joining the cast of the Netflix phenomenon,One Piece.
Escola, celebrated for their history-making performance inOh, Mary!, will embody the enigmatic Bon Clay, a character known for their flamboyant personality and surprising strength. This marks the first major casting announcement for the show’s highly anticipated third season.
Fans of the original manga series describe Bon Clay as a captivating paradox – a master of disguise, a skilled combatant, and a performer with a flair for the dramatic. Their signature look, a fabulous swan getup, is just one facet of a complex and compelling character.
One Piece, adapted from Eiichiro Oda’s record-breaking manga, exploded onto the streaming scene in 2023, instantly captivating audiences worldwide. The series quickly climbed to the top of Netflix’s most-watched chart in an astonishing 43 countries.
The show’s debut week drew over 18.5 million viewers, solidifying its position as a cultural touchstone and earning it two prestigious Children’s and Family Emmy Awards. The story follows Monkey D. Luffy and his crew as they navigate treacherous seas in search of the ultimate treasure.
Bon Clay’s journey within theOne Piecenarrative is particularly intriguing. Initially introduced as a formidable villain, the character evolves into a loyal ally of Luffy, adding layers of depth and unexpected alliances to the unfolding saga.
Season two, titledOne Piece: Into the Grand Line, is slated for release on March 10, 2026. It promises to transport viewers to a host of vibrant new locations, including Loguetown, Reverse Mountain, and Drum Island, as Luffy faces increasingly dangerous challenges.
Production for season three is expected to commence in Cape Town, South Africa, before the end of the year. Escola’s addition signals a bold and exciting direction for the series, promising a fresh interpretation of a beloved character.
Cole Escola’s recent Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play, for their work inOh, Mary!– a show they also wrote – cemented their status as a groundbreaking talent. They were the first non-binary performer to receive this honor, a moment that resonated deeply within the theater community.
BeyondOne Piece, Escola’s star continues to rise with upcoming roles in Melissa McCarthy’s holiday comedy,Margie Claus, and the A24 comedy,Jonty, alongside Jesse Plemons. Their versatility and undeniable charisma are quickly making them one of the most sought-after performers today.
