Baroque Works is geared up to exert significant influence in the forthcoming season on Netflix of One Piece, although the real showdown won’t take place until the third season, and a adored, fan-favorite member has recently been selected.
Netflix announced this week that Cole Escola has joined the One Piece upcoming season’s lineup and will portray Bentham. The role possesses the power to transform into an exact copy of anyone they’ve made contact with with their main hand. The performer, who is identifies as non-binary and prefers they/them pronouns, will portray a rendition of that character re-envisioned as gender non-binary, rather than as a drag performer, in the live-action series, unlike the original manga and cartoon version.
Escola will work alongside multiple new cast members who will portray the group to the screen, including chief the main antagonist, brought to life by Joe Manganiello, an emerging star as Miss Goldenweek, and an accomplished actor, who also joins the cast as King Nefertari Cobra of the fictional land.
Though this character is a important part of Baroque Works, the persona will be introduced in One Piece season 3. With the second season expected to adapt the Little Garden storyline, this marks a significant shift in the placement of Bon Clay’s introduction, one that could suggest more adjustments to the story’s structure.
Escola’s blend of excellent comedic sense and deep sensitivity makes them a standout choice for the role. Besides their current animated role in the animated coming-of-age film Boys Go to Jupiter, they received high praise and numerous honors for creating and performing in the hit comedy play Oh Mary!, showcasing the adaptability they’ll add to one of One Piece’s most celebrated characters.
The streaming service’s real-life One Piece program is set to return for its second season on the tenth of March, 2026.
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