Fans of high-stakes fantasy on Netflix, take note: Sophia Anne Caruso is officially becoming a mainstay of the streaming giant’s most ambitious projects. After leading the charge in the 2022 fantasy hit The School for Good and Evil, Caruso is pivoting to one of the biggest television properties in the world as she joins the cast of One Piece for its second season, titled Into the Grand Line.
When One Piece returns on March 10, Caruso will make her debut in a role that perfectly utilizes the “other-worldly” energy she has become known for. While she has spent years on the stage, her recent trajectory suggests she is carving out a specific niche as Netflix’s go-to for complex, visually striking characters in massive world-building franchises.
A New Chapter in a Massive Netflix Journey
Caruso’s first major splash with Netflix subscribers came as Sophie in the film adaptation of The School for Good and Evil. That project allowed her to navigate a transformation from an aspiring princess to a dark, blood-magic-wielding force—an experience that likely prepared her for the colorful and chaotic world of One Piece.
In her new role, she’s stepping into a live-action adaptation of a manga and anime series that has a global following of millions. For those who missed the first season, One Piece isn’t just a show; it’s a cultural phenomenon that follows a crew of eccentric pirates on a quest for legendary treasure. The series broke records upon its release, proving that Netflix could successfully bring anime to life with a cinematic, big-budget feel.
Who is Miss Goldenweek?
Caruso has been cast as Miss Goldenweek (real name: Marianne). In the hierarchy of the show, she is a top-tier operative for the mysterious “Baroque Works” syndicate.
What makes her fascinating—and a perfect follow-up to her previous Netflix role—is her specific power. She is a “color trap” artist. Instead of traditional fighting, she uses her paintbrush to create symbols that can control people’s emotions. One stroke of her brush can make a fierce pirate fall into a fit of laughter, become paralyzed with laziness, or even feel a sudden, uncontrollable urge to sit down for a tea party. It’s a deadpan, “art student” role that requires the exact kind of nuanced, sardonic performance Caruso excels at.
Bridging the Gap Between Fan Bases
By joining One Piece, Caruso is effectively bridging two of the internet’s most passionate fan bases. She is moving from the Young Adult fantasy world of The School for Good and Evil directly into the heart of the “Shonen” anime world.
She won’t be alone in this new venture, either. Caruso is part of a high-profile new cast that includes Joe Manganiello and David Dastmalchian (who plays her partner in crime, Mr. 3). For those who enjoyed the visual spectacle of her previous film, One Piece promises to turn that energy up to eleven when the new season sets sail on March 10.