- Primary Subject: One Piece (Netflix Live Action)
- Key Update: Following Tony Tony Chopper's debut, casting speculation for the cyborg shipwright Franky has intensified with a focus on five major action stars.
- Status: Rumored (Franky casting)
- Last Verified: May 11, 2026
- Quick Answer: While Franky's official casting is unconfirmed, top fan and critic picks include John Cena, Jason Momoa, Dave Bautista, Alan Ritchson, and Terry Crews.
The Straw Hat Pirates are now growing, with Tony Tony Chopper being the latest addition in One Piece Season 2.
But the lovable doctor won’t be the last to join the crew. There are still several members yet to be added to the Straw Hats, including the eccentric cyborg shipwright Franky.
While rumors and fan casting, such as suggestions from co-stars like Emily Rudd for John Cena to play the cyborg, have circulated online, here are five actors who could play Franky in Netflix’s One Piece.
John Cena
To start off the list is, of course, John Cena. With his massive build and comedic instincts, the retired wrestler is a natural fit to play Franky in One Piece.
Franky’s traits of being loud, confident, and unapologetically theatrical align closely with Cena’s own energy.
Cena has also proven his comedic timing and balanced humor in Peacemaker. With Franky’s playful, larger-than-life attitude, Cena stands out as one of the closest real-world parallels to the character’s personality.
Jason Momoa
Known for his roles in Game of Thrones, Aquaman, and more, Jason Momoa balances brute strength with heartfelt loyalty, much like Franky.
Add to that his raw charisma and physical presence, and the actor could effortlessly give Franky a more rugged edge that fits the role.
Momoa’s screen presence also carries both danger and charm, similar to Franky’s intimidating cyborg exterior, making him a strong live-action interpretation of the character in One Piece.
Dave Bautista
Another former professional wrestler, Dave Bautista has proven his versatility when it comes to playing a wide range of roles, from action to comedy, such as The Wrecking Crew, Guardians of the Galaxy, Army of the Dead, and more.
In addition to his comedic humor, Franky is also known for his emotional backstory and deep loyalty to the Straw Hats, and Bautista could perfectly deliver that vulnerability beneath strength–tough on the outside but deeply sentimental and protective on the inside–making him a strong fit for the role in One Piece.
Alan Ritchson
Alan Ritchson has not only proven his strength and acting abilities in Prime Video’s Reacher, but he has also shown his talent in emotional sequences.
So, aside from being a perfect fit for Franky’s cyborg design, his mix of seriousness and subtle humor could make him a grounded yet faithful live-action version of Franky in One Piece.
Ritchson’s performances feel grounded and deliberate, making him a well-balanced interpretation of the character.
Terry Crews
Terry Crews’ explosive energy, comedic timing, and muscular build perfectly align with Franky’s over-the-top personality in One Piece.
Crews could fully embrace the character’s wild, expressive nature, matching Franky’s chaotic charm almost perfectly and making him one of the most “faithful-to-anime-energy” options on the list.
In fact, many already know what he can do in his roles in White Chicks, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and Everybody Hates Chris.
Franky may not appear in One Piece until the Water 7 arc. However, with Brook’s unexpected appearance in Season 2, despite that moment originally taking place in the Thriller Bark arc, which comes after Water 7, it’s not far that Franky could also make a surprising appearance in One Piece Season 3.
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