One Piece Season 3 has added a significant new cast member. Netflix announced that Cole Escola will play Bon Clay in the upcoming season, set to begin production later this year in Cape Town, South Africa.
Escola, known for their sharp comedic timing and theatrical presence, has built a following through work in Oh Mary!, Search Party, and At Home with Amy Sedaris. Their casting introduces a beloved and memorable character into the live-action adaptation.
Bon Clay is described as both a performer and a fighter. Their presence in One Piece Season 3 signals a character who moves between intensity and humor, spectacle and sincerity. Netflix characterizes Bon Clay as a master of performance and precision, someone who can shift a scene with either emotional weight or sharp unpredictability.
A Fan-Favorite Character Arrives
Introducing Bon Clay marks a notable expansion of the live-action world. In the manga, Bon Clay stands out for their theatricality, sense of personal code, and emotional resonance within the broader One Piece story. Their role blends flamboyance, combat skill, and deeply felt loyalty. Casting Escola suggests that the series is prepared to bring out both the lightness and complexity that define the character.
The announcement arrives as One Piece Season 2, titled One Piece: Into the Grand Line, prepares to premiere on March 10, 2026. Season 2 will introduce new settings and adversaries as the Straw Hat crew enters the Grand Line.
Production Continues in Cape Town
Filming for One Piece Season 3 will return to Cape Town, which has served as the home base for the production across earlier seasons. The choice of location aligns with the physicality and scale of the world the series is building. No additional casting for Season 3 has been confirmed yet. Netflix notes that further announcements will be made later.
Season 3 will be led by co-showrunners, writers, and executive producers Joe Tracz and Ian Stokes. Eiichiro Oda, the original creator of One Piece, remains an executive producer alongside Marty Adelstein, Becky Clements, Tetsu Fujimura, Chris Symes, Christoph Schrewe, and Steven Maeda.
The Live-Action Adaptation Continues to Grow
One Piece Season 3 builds on the global success of the live-action series. Upon its 2023 debut, One Piece became an international breakout, ranking number one in over 75 countries and becoming the first Netflix English-language series to premiere at number one in Japan. The series has nearly 100 million total views and maintains an active global audience that engages across platforms, merchandise, events, and physical experiences, including its presence in Netflix House.
The adaptation retains a close relationship with the manga. The production partners, including Tomorrow Studios and Shueisha, continue to emphasize fidelity to character arcs, emotional tone, and the distinct style of the One Piece world.
There are no plot or arc details for One Piece Season 3 at this time. Escola’s casting confirms the introduction of one of the franchise’s most recognizable personalities, which will likely shape both emotional and comedic dynamics in the season.
