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Baroque Works is set to exert significant influence in the next installment of Netflix’s show of One Piece, although the real showdown won’t take place until the next season, and a adored, audience-beloved member has now been chosen.

Netflix announced Tuesday that Cole Escola will appear in the One Piece upcoming season’s lineup and will play Mr. 2. The role possesses the power to change into an exact copy of any individual they’ve touched with their right hand. The actor, who is gender non-conforming and goes by they/them, will play a rendition of that character re-envisioned as non-binary, rather than as a drag artist, in the live-action series, as in the source material and cartoon version.

The new cast member will work alongside multiple new cast members tasked with bringing Baroque Works to the screen, featuring head Sir Crocodile, portrayed by the seasoned performer, an emerging star as a key member, and Sendhil Ramamurthy, who will appear as the ensemble as King Nefertari Cobra of Alabasta.

Though Bon Clay is a key figure of the organization, the individual won’t appear until One Piece the third season. Considering season 2 likely to portray the Little Garden storyline, this marks a significant shift in the timing of the character’s debut, one that could suggest additional alterations to the plot development.

Their mix of sharp comedic timing and emotional depth makes them a perfect fit for the role. Besides their latest vocal work in the animated feature Boys Go to Jupiter, they received high praise and numerous honors for penning and acting in the hit comedy play Oh Mary!, showcasing the versatility they’ll add to one of One Piece’s most celebrated figures.

Netflix's live-action One Piece program is set to return for its second season on March 10, 2026.