18 Years After The Dark Knight, David Dastmalchian Stuns as Mr. 3 in Netflix's One Piece

Following a life-changing role in 2008's genre-defining superhero thriller The Dark Knight, David Dastmalchian has carved an impressive career full of branching paths, starring roles, and scene-stealing supporting characters. This includes character acting such as his later DC turn as Polka-Dot Man in The Suicide Squad, and eccentric villains like the Gemini Killer in Dexter Resurrection, among many other highlights.

But 18 years after his portrayal of paranoid schizophrenic Thomas Schiff as interrogated by an unhinged Harvey Dent, Dastmalchian's latest criminal role is on Netflix's One Piece as Galdino, also known as Mr. 3. Given the character's role in the anime, and the Straw Hats' most urgent state of peril at his hands, fans are in for a treat.

David Dastmalchian Will Be a Massive Highlight for Netflix's One Piece

Upcoming Villain Actor Waxes Lyrical for Season 2

Netflix's One Piece is boosting its rogues' gallery considerably with season 2, and this includes the menacing, occasionally odd members of Baroque Works. While certainly not their most powerful member, with others in the syndicate including Miss All Sunday and even Mr. 0, Mr. 3 puts the Straw Hats in a sticky situation at Little Garden.

Playing the shrewd strategist/assassin capable of ensnaring the Straw Hats with his Wax-Wax powers, Dastmalchian is no stranger to portraying clever, arrogant antagonists who don't handle fortune reversals well. Such is the case even for his leading roles, such as Jack Delroy in the brilliant Late Night with the Devil. But beyond these nuanced angles, Dastmalchian wonderfully embodies Galdino's visage.

Having eaten the Wax-Wax Fruit, Mr. 3 can produce wax from his body that, when hardened, is unnaturally resilient. While Mr. 3's debut in One Piece season 2 is far from his only canonical appearance, his abilities, much like those of many Baroque Works figures, confirm the broad variety of dangerous, yet wonderfully weird Devil Fruit powers.

Mr. 3's Actor Is a Big One Piece Fan

But He Is Very Much #1 in Our Hearts

As confirmed in a recent interview with CBR, Dastmalchian affirmed his passionate fandom for the franchise, with the anime, manga, and live-action One Piece series being a big deal in his house. He even recognizes the pressure that comes with playing characters in a series dear to hearts around the world like One Piece.

"The world that they created and we shot down in South Africa was just so incredible. I'm really excited for people to see, and I'm nervous, because I care deeply when I get to take on characters like this, who have a very special place in people's hearts. I want to make sure I do it justice, and that I do it right, and I hope people are pleased with the way I brought Mr. 3 to life."

-David Dastmalchian

Judging from the onscreen reveals of Mr. 3 and his ilk for One Piece season 2, it's safe to say Netflix nailed the visual traits and preposterous hair of Little Garden's temporary resident. Given the live-action series even doubling down on Dastmalchian's character having a better aesthetic sense given the elaborate wax house makeover, it is an unexpectedly solid win.

Dastmalchian is also far from the only exciting reveal for Netflix's live-action One Piece. Lera Abova's debut as Miss All Sunday, aka Nico Robin, has been turning heads every which way but loose, among other examples. However, having such a talented actor with imprints on Marvel, DC, modern horror, and more, is invigorating to see in One Piece.

Netflix's One Piece will return for season 2 on March 10, 2026.

Release Date August 31, 2023

Network Netflix

Showrunner Matt Owens

Directors Tim Southam, Marc Jobst, Josef Kubota Wladyka

Writers Tiffany Greshler, Diego Gutierrez, Allison Weintraub, Lindsay Gelfand

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