In the zany world of Netflix’s “One Piece” live-action series, Clown-Pirate Buggy, portrayed by Jeff Ward, steals the show. Jeff Ward is no stranger to the screen, having gained fame in a Marvel series.
As the aspiring Straw Hat Pirates, led by young pirate Monkey D. Luffy (Iñaki Godoy), set sail on their journey toward the Grand Line in the first season of “One Piece,” they encounter a multitude of adversaries. Amidst these characters, including the future arch-villain Arlong (McKinley Belcher III), one character stands out—Clown-Pirate Buggy (Jeff Ward). He’s akin to the buccaneer’s response to the Joker, complete with the ability to detach and control his body parts at will.
If you’ve ever wondered how the actor behind Clown-Pirate Buggy looks without the makeup, take a detour from Netflix to Disney+. There, you’ll find Jeff Ward in one of his most prominent roles as one of the titular “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” in the Marvel series.
In “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.,” Jeff Ward took on the role of the crafty yet good-hearted Deke Shaw from season 5 onwards. Deke Shaw, a survivor in the harshly controlled world of the Kree in the year 2091, encounters the familiar main characters from the series in the future before ultimately landing in their present time, where he eventually joins S.H.I.E.L.D.
Initially, Jeff Ward had a significant recurring role in season 5, but he was promoted to the main cast from season 6 onwards, solidifying his place in the team for the final seventh season. Remarkably, he wasn’t originally intended for the role he played but had so thoroughly impressed the cast and crew that they chose him to portray Deke.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) raises a question regarding Jeff Ward’s role in “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” While the series was initially situated within the MCU, it gradually became more disconnected. Although the team, led by the familiar Phil Coulson (Clark Gregg) resurrected from the MCU’s Phase One, occasionally interacted with figures like Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson), these crossovers faded by season 6. Notably, the teased arrival of Thanos on Earth in “Avengers: Infinity War” had no bearing on the series. Conversely, the Kino-MCU has consistently ignored “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” as well as the Netflix series featuring the Defenders. “WandaVision” in 2021 marked the first MCU series directly relevant to the cinematic adventures.
Will Buggy return in “One Piece” season 2? The possibility of seeing Jeff Ward as Deke Shaw again in the MCU seems unlikely. However, if you wish to see the 36-year-old actor in another role without the clownish appearance, you have options. You can explore the Netflix series “Brand New Cherry Flavor” or watch him play central roles in the second season of the horror anthology series “Channel Zero.”
Moreover, you can expect Jeff Ward to reprise his role as Buggy in the confirmed second season of “One Piece.” To get a sneak peek of his comeback, check out this behind-the-scenes video showcasing Ward’s Buggy transformation.