The Streaming Giant Chooses Spot-On Performer for Bentham in One Piece Season 3

Baroque Works is set to exert significant influence in the forthcoming season on Netflix of One Piece, although the real showdown won’t unfold until the next season, and a cherished, fan-favorite member has recently been selected.

The streaming service revealed this week that Cole Escola has joined the One Piece upcoming season’s lineup and will play Bentham. Bon Clay can use their power to morph 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 play a version of that figure reimagined as gender non-binary, instead of as a drag performer, in the live-action series, as in the initial comic and cartoon version.

The new cast member will work alongside a number of recently announced actors tasked with bringing Baroque Works to the screen, such as chief the main antagonist, portrayed by the well-known actor, an emerging star as a key member, and an accomplished actor, who is also part of the ensemble as the ruler of the fictional land.

Even though this character is a key figure of the organization, the individual won’t appear until One Piece the third season. Considering the second season expected to adapt the Little Garden storyline, this signals a major departure in the placement of Bon Clay’s introduction, one that could indicate further changes to the story’s structure.

Escola’s blend of excellent comedic sense and deep sensitivity makes them a perfect fit for the role. Besides their recent voice performance in the animated feature Boys Go to Jupiter, they received high praise and several accolades for writing and starring in the successful stage production Oh Mary!, showcasing the versatility they’ll contribute to one of One Piece’s most celebrated characters.

The streaming service’s real-life One Piece series is set to return for its season two on March 10, 2026.