Cole Escola Cast as Bon Clay: Netflix’s “One Piece” Just Gave Queer Joy a Star Turn

Queer fans, assemble: Netflix’s “One Piece” just set sail for uncharted, gloriously campy waters. The streamer announced that Cole Escola — beloved for their boundary-breaking comedy and unapologetically queer persona — will portray the iconic Bon Clay, a non-binary assassin, in the show’s highly anticipated second season . For LGBTQ+ audiences, this isn’t just a casting announcement. It’s a seismic moment of joyful visibility, steeped in the legacy of queer-coded characters and the promise of seeing ourselves not just on the sidelines, but at the heart of the adventure.

For those new to the “One Piece” universe, Bon Clay (also known as Mr. 2) is more than just a flamboyant fighter. They’re a gender non-conforming, shape-shifting assassin whose loyalty, humor, and self-sacrifice have made them a fan favorite since their manga debut. Bon Clay has long resonated with LGBTQ+ readers and viewers, often cited as one of anime’s most beloved queer-coded characters .

Escola, whose work on “Difficult People” and their off-Broadway hit “Oh, Mary!” has earned them a devoted following, comes to the role with both comedic chops and a deep understanding of queer camp . Their casting feels not only inspired but essential: Bon Clay, with their ballet shoes, exaggerated lashes, and fierce loyalty, deserves nothing less than an actor who understands the power and politics of queer performance.

It’s no secret that LGBTQ+ fans have often had to squint to find themselves in genre fare. Too often, queer characters are relegated to background roles, coded but never confirmed, or played for laughs rather than love. That’s what makes Escola’s Bon Clay so monumental. Netflix is putting a non-binary performer front and center as a non-binary character, in a globally beloved franchise, with all the pageantry and nuance the role deserves .

As Escola said in a recent interview, “Bon Clay is a character who refuses to be small. They take up space with joy, and that’s radical — especially for those of us who’ve ever been told to shrink ourselves” . It’s a sentiment that echoes through queer history: celebration, not just survival.

“One Piece” has always been about found family — the ragtag crew of misfits and dreamers finding belonging on the high seas. Bon Clay’s journey, from villainous assassin to selfless ally, is a story of self-acceptance and chosen family that mirrors so many LGBTQ+ experiences .

For Escola, the opportunity to bring this story to life is personal. “I grew up loving characters who didn’t quite fit in, who made the world bigger and brighter just by existing,” they told The Hollywood Reporter. “To get to play Bon Clay — someone who turns their difference into their superpower — is a dream come true” .

This is more than nostalgia. It’s a reclamation. By casting Escola, Netflix isn’t just ticking a diversity box. They’re trusting queer artists to tell queer stories, and trusting audiences to embrace them.

The world of anime has always been rich with queer subtext, but rarely has it translated so boldly into live-action. “One Piece” is poised to change that, offering a rare mainstream platform for a character who embodies both camp and courage. Fans have already taken to social media to celebrate the news, with many calling it “a long overdue win for queer representation in fantasy” .

Showrunner Matt Owens, who has spoken publicly about the importance of authentic casting, notes, “We wanted someone who could bring both comedy and heart to Bon Clay — and who understands what it means to be different in a world that prizes conformity. Cole brings all of that and more” .

As the boundaries between anime, live-action, and queer storytelling continue to blur, Escola’s Bon Clay is set to become a new standard-bearer: proof that authenticity, humor, and heart can (and should) coexist in blockbuster television.

It’s easy to be cynical about big streaming platforms and their pledges to diversity. But every now and then, a casting decision comes along that feels both revolutionary and right. Cole Escola’s Bon Clay is just that: a beacon, a celebration, and a challenge to the status quo.

For queer viewers, especially those who have felt unseen or erased by mainstream media, this is an invitation to dream bigger. To imagine worlds where we are not just sidekicks or subtext, but heroes and icons. As Bon Clay might say, “Okama way!” — the path of radical joy, dazzling difference, and unapologetic love.

Netflix’s “One Piece” is set to return with its second season in 2025. With Escola’s Bon Clay on deck, the seas of representation just got a lot more fabulous — and a lot more real .