After receiving the Tony Award for Lead Actor in a Play in June, Cole Escola, the star and creator of “Oh, Mary!”, humorously acknowledged their rising fame on Amy Poehler’s Good Hang podcast, saying, “I know that nobody actually knows who I am, but the people who do, they’ve had a lot of me this past year.” Now, Escola is solidifying their place in Hollywood with a new role in Netflix’s adaptation of the iconic manga series “One Piece.”
The streaming giant announced on Monday that Escola has been cast as Bon Clay, a nonbinary assassin in the live-action series, which continues to draw attention and fans. This marks the first major casting announcement for Season 3, which comes months before Season 2, titled “One Piece: Into the Grand Line,” is set to premiere on March 10, 2026.
Bon Clay is characterized as “a master of performance and precision” and is noted to be “as dangerous as they are dazzling.” The character, originally envisioned as nonbinary, is described as “a theatrical assassin who turns combat into art,” showcasing the show’s commitment to diverse representations.
This year has proven significant for Escola, who previously starred alongside Melissa McCarthy in the upcoming animated comedy and holiday musical, “Margie Claus,” and recently secured a role in the A24 film “Jonty,” featuring Jesse Plemons.
As the upcoming season of “One Piece” unfolds, viewers can expect the beloved character Luffy, played by Iñaki Godoy, and the Straw Hat crew to embark on captivating new adventures. They’ll navigate the treacherous waters of the Grand Line, encountering a host of quirky characters, including Laboon, the scarred whale, and Crocus, a human caretaker portrayed by Clive Russell from “Game of Thrones.”
Joe Tracz and Matt Owens are set to co-showrun Season 2 of “One Piece,” while the duo of Tracz and Ian Stokes will helm the third season, promising more exhilarating content for fans to look forward to. With Escola’s inclusion and the engaging storyline ahead, “One Piece” continues to maintain a strong momentum, appealing to a wide audience and enhancing the representation across its cast.