The Streaming Giant Chooses Spot-On Performer for Bentham in the Hit Series Upcoming Installment
The Secret Organization is set to exert significant influence in Netflix’s upcoming season of One Piece, though the true confrontation won’t unfold until the next season, and a beloved, audience-beloved member has just been cast.
Netflix announced recently that Cole Escola is now part of the One Piece upcoming season’s lineup and will embody Bon Clay. The role has the ability to transform into an exact copy of anyone they’ve touched with their main hand. The actor, who is gender non-conforming and uses they/them pronouns, will portray a rendition of that character reinterpreted as non-binary, instead of as a drag performer, in the live-action show, as in the original manga and anime.
Escola joins a number of fresh additions tasked with bringing the group to reality, including chief the main antagonist, portrayed by the seasoned performer, Sophia Anne Caruso as another operative, and an accomplished actor, who is also part of the ensemble as the ruler of Alabasta.
Although Bon Clay is a major member of the organization, the persona will be introduced in One Piece the upcoming installment. With the second season likely to portray the Little Garden arc, this marks a significant shift in the timing of Bon Clay’s introduction, one that could suggest further changes to the story’s structure.
Escola’s blend of excellent comedic sense and emotional depth makes them a ideal selection for the character. Besides their latest vocal work in the animated feature Boys Go to Jupiter, they received high praise and multiple awards for creating and performing in the successful stage production Oh Mary!, highlighting the versatility they’ll add to one of One Piece’s highly regarded characters.
Netflix's live-action One Piece program is due to premiere for its season two on March 10th, 2026.
