Cowboy Bebop fans have been concerned about how authentic the reboot will be compared to the original anime series. For those who are unaware, Cowboy Bebop is an anime full of eclectism, from its animation style to its groovy soundtrack and iconic opening credits. Now, Netflix has released the new opening credits for the live-action reboot and the clip pays full homage to the original opening.
After recently revealing a full cast and images of the cast in costume, it became overwhelmingly clear that the essence of Cowboy Bebop with stay intact. The new opening credits for the live-action series are in the same style as those of the original Cowboy Bebop anime show, and in some instances, it is exactly the same. The credits give viewers a look at the cast in motion and introduced some villains in the show, in addition to providing a glimpse at some of the sets.
In a side-by-side with the original opening credits, the beginning of the live-action version opens with a perfect matchup of someone lighting a cigarette for the ominous Spike Spiegel. The live-action Cowboy Bebop credits slowly start to showcase more of the cast and villains in the show than the original version did. An obvious difference in the live-action credits is the mix of Asian languages and words running behind the characters, which appear in English in the original version.
The soundtrack is a chief concern for the new Cowboy Bebop show, however, Netflix has already confirmed that the eccentric Japanese composer Yoko Kanno would be returning to create another essential score. The new opening credits feature the same song "Tank!," which has become part of the incredible allure around the show. The jazz-infused song combined with the espionage-driven opening (a style shows like Archer pay homage to in their own credits) created an undeniable air of space cowboy noir.
The main cast of Netflix's Cowboy Bebop is studded with gems that match the anime characters perfectly. The live-action opening teases a few characters that have not been named on the cast list yet, such as villainess Maria Murdock. The current list of characters, not including the adorable corgi dog playing Ein, includes John Cho as Spike Spiegel, Mustafa Shakir as Jet Black, Geoff Stults as Chalmers, Daniella Pineda as Faye Valentine, Alex Hassel as Vicious, Ann Truong as Shin, Hoa Xuande as Lin, Elena Satine as Julia, Rachel House as Mao, Tamara Tunie as Ana, Mason Alexander Park as Gren.
The Cowboy Bebop live-action series promises to revisit a franchise that has not run since the late '90s. Fans have high expectations, but the live-action version of the credits shows the creative team behind Netflix's series is dedicated to respecting the source material.
Cowboy Bebop is set to debut on Netflix on November 19, 2021.
Source: Netflix/YouTube