- Morgan Davies, a transgender Australian actor, plays Koby in Netflix’s hit live-action One Piece series.
- He began his career as a child star in films like The Tree before publicly transitioning at age 13.
- Davies initially turned down a trans role in The End due to discomfort with identity-focused storytelling.
- Fans praise his realistic portrayal of Koby as perfect casting for the character’s fear-to-courage arc.
Morgan Davies portrays Koby, the timid cabin boy who dreams of becoming a Marine. In the One Piece universe, Koby undergoes a significant transformation from a cowardly servant to a determined hero. Davies’ ability to convey vulnerability and hidden strength has made the character a standout in the ensemble cast led by Iñaki Godoy.
The Netflix adaptation, known for respecting Eiichiro Oda’s source material, has been renewed for Season 2. Davies is officially set to return alongside stars like Mackenyu and Emily Rudd, continuing Koby’s arc toward becoming a Marine officer.
Morgan Davies Early Life in Sydney’s Rozelle Suburb
Morgan Davies was born on November 7, 2001, and raised by a single mother in the inner-west Sydney suburb of Rozelle.
It was there, at just seven years old, that he began his artistic journey, discovering acting as an escape and a “superpower” to become someone else.
How Morgan Davies Became a Child Star with The Tree and The Hunter
Davies made his screen debut in the 2010 Cannes film The Tree, earning immediate critical praise and AFI nominations.
He followed this with a role in The Hunter opposite Willem Dafoe, proving his ability to hold his own against Hollywood heavyweights as a child actor.
Morgan Davies Private Transition at Age 13 and Return to Acting
At age 13, Davies came out as transgender to his mother and close friends, keeping his identity private for several years while navigating adolescence.
Rather than ending his career, this period of self-discovery deepened his resolve, though he did not publicly come out until 2020.
Why Morgan Davies Initially Turned Down the Role in The End
In 2020, Davies was offered the role of Oberon, a trans teen in the series The End. He initially refused the part.
He felt uncomfortable playing a character explicitly defined by transition while still figuring out his own gender identity, but later accepted to tell an authentic story.
Morgan Davies Breakout in Evil Dead Rise Before One Piece Fame
Before sailing the Grand Line, Davies terrified audiences as Danny in Evil Dead Rise (2023).
The horror hit proved his versatility, moving from the arthouse indie scene to mainstream genre box office success, setting the stage perfectly for his One Piece audition.
How Morgan Davies Prepared for and Transformed into Koby on Netflix
Davies brings a specific physicality to Koby, balancing the character’s initial stuttering fear with his hidden inner resolve.
Fans have noted that unlike the anime’s exaggerated screaming, Davies plays the fear realistically, making Koby’s eventual moments of courage far more impactful.
Morgan Davies Stage Fright Battles and Advocacy for Trans Storytelling
Despite his resume, Davies battles intense stage fright and has spoken openly about his teenage struggles with depression.
He uses his platform to advocate for transgender rights, emphasizing that trans actors should have the opportunity to play roles that aren’t solely defined by their gender identity.
Morgan Davies Instagram Reaction to Landing the Koby Role
While Davies keeps a low profile (Instagram handle @morganlogoff), the reaction to his casting was explosive among fans.
The announcement was met with joy from the LGBTQ+ community, celebrating the fact that a major anime adaptation cast a trans actor in a “cisgender” role simply because he was the best for the job.
Morgan Davies Full Career Timeline: From Terra Nova to One Piece Season 2
- 2008: Debut in Green Fire Envy.
- 2011: Guest role in Steven Spielberg’s Terra Nova.
- 2020: Starred in The End (Foxtel/Showtime).
- 2023: Lead role in Evil Dead Rise.
- 2023: Breakthrough as Koby in Netflix’s One Piece.
- 2025 (Production): One Piece Season 2 officially in production.
Why Fans Say Morgan Davies Performance as Koby Is Perfect Casting
Viewers have flooded social media praising Davies, with one fan noting he “plays timid and scared so very well without being hyper-scared like his anime counterpart.”
For many, Davies is Koby a character defined by overcoming internal fear to find strength, mirroring the actor’s own journey of authenticity.
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Last Updated on April 7, 2026 by 247 News Around The World
