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Baroque Works is poised to make a major impact in the next installment of Netflix’s show of One Piece, though the real showdown isn’t set to occur until the next season, and a cherished, audience-beloved member has now been chosen.

Netflix announced this week that Cole Escola has joined the One Piece upcoming season’s lineup and will play Bentham. The role possesses the power to transform into an perfect replica of any individual they’ve laid a hand on with their right hand. The performer, who is gender non-conforming and goes by they/them, will play a rendition of that figure reinterpreted as gender non-binary, instead of as a drag queen, in the live-action show, as in the initial comic and cartoon version.

The new cast member is joined by several other recently announced actors who will portray the organization to the screen, featuring chief the main antagonist, portrayed by the seasoned performer, Sophia Anne Caruso as a key member, and a familiar face, who also joins the lineup as the ruler of Alabasta.

Even though this character is a important part of the organization, the persona won’t make their debut One Piece season 3. Given the next season set to cover the Little Garden storyline, this marks a major departure in the placement of the character’s debut, one that could suggest further changes to the narrative framework.

Escola’s blend of excellent comedic sense and emotional depth makes them a perfect fit for the role. In addition to their latest vocal work in the animated coming-of-age film Boys Go to Jupiter, they earned widespread acclaim and multiple awards for writing and starring in the successful stage production Oh Mary!, highlighting the range they’ll bring to one of One Piece’s highly regarded roles.

The streaming service’s real-life One Piece series is set to return for its season two on March 10, 2026.