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Baroque Works is poised to play a huge role in the next installment of Netflix’s show of One Piece, although the real showdown won’t unfold until the third season, and a beloved, popular member has just been cast.

Netflix announced this week that the skilled actor is now part of the One Piece upcoming season’s lineup and will portray Bon Clay. The role can use their power to change into an perfect replica of any person they’ve touched with their main hand. The actor, who is identifies as non-binary and goes by they/them, will play a rendition of that character reimagined as gender non-binary, instead of as a drag artist, in the live-action show, as in the original manga and cartoon version.

Escola is joined by multiple new cast members who will portray the group to reality, including head the main antagonist, played by the seasoned performer, Sophia Anne Caruso as another operative, and Sendhil Ramamurthy, who is also part of the ensemble as King Nefertari Cobra of Alabasta.

Although Bon Clay is a important part of Baroque Works, the character won’t appear until One Piece season 3. Given season 2 likely to portray the Little Garden segment, this signals a major departure in the placement of the character’s debut, one that could signal additional alterations to the plot development.

The actor’s combination of precise humor and emotional depth makes them a standout choice for the part. In addition to their recent voice performance in the animated coming-of-age film Boys Go to Jupiter, they received high praise and several accolades for creating and performing in the hit comedy play Oh Mary!, showcasing the versatility they’ll add to one of One Piece’s highly regarded characters.

The streaming service’s real-life One Piece series is scheduled to come back for its season two on March 10th, 2026.