The Streaming Giant Selects Spot-On Performer for Mr. 2 in One Piece Third Season

Baroque Works is set to play a huge role in the next installment of Netflix’s show of One Piece, even if the real showdown isn’t set to occur until the next season, and a adored, fan-favorite member has just been cast.

The platform declared this week that Cole Escola has joined the One Piece season 3 cast and will portray Bentham. The role can use their power to morph into an exact copy of any individual they’ve made contact with with their main hand. Escola, who is gender non-conforming and uses they/them pronouns, will portray a interpretation of that figure reimagined as gender non-binary, as opposed to as a drag artist, in the live-action show, as in the initial comic and animated series.

This performer joins several other recently announced actors tasked with bringing the organization to the screen, featuring head the main antagonist, portrayed by Joe Manganiello, a talented actress as another operative, and a familiar face, who also joins the ensemble as the monarch of the fictional land.

Though the role is a key figure of the group, the character won’t make their debut One Piece the upcoming installment. Considering the second season set to cover the Little Garden storyline, this marks a major departure in the schedule of their first appearance, one that could signal additional alterations to the story’s structure.

The actor’s combination of sharp comedic timing and profound feeling makes them a standout choice for the character. In addition to their latest vocal work in the youth-focused cartoon movie Boys Go to Jupiter, they received high praise and several accolades for writing and starring in the hit comedy play Oh Mary!, showcasing the versatility they’ll add to one of One Piece’s widely praised figures.

Netflix's live-action One Piece series is due to premiere for its next installment on March 10, 2026.