Netflix’s live-action adaptation of the hugely popular anime Cowboy Bebop has been awaited with much anticipation since its announcement. Before the series officially premiered, three of its cast members sat down to discuss the show.
Cowboy Bebop is one of the most recognized anime from the ‘90s and follows the adventures of a group of space bounty hunters. The sci-fi series, tinged with neo-noir, has an impressive legacy, and the pressure is on for its adaptation in the wake of Netflix’s poorly received previous attempts at anime live-action adaptations.
John Cho spoke about playing the central role of Spike Spiegel in Netflix’s live-action Cowboy Bebop. When asked if he had any fears about playing the beloved space cowboy at the Vulture Festival panel, he joked that he feared he was “too sexy” for the role. Cho went on to say, more seriously this time, that he did feel pressure playing such an iconic character loved by so many and worried if people would like the adaptation. But these anxieties were reportedly quelled for him as the passion for and knowledge of the original anime from the crew became apparent to him and his fellow castmates. When he found he was doubting himself, Cho said that he just tried to emulate Spike’s attitude of someone who “walks around knowing he can do this,” something fans will recognize.
Cho's joking remark does resonate somewhat with the general anxiety surrounding the adaptation, however. Also at the Vulture Festival panel was Daniella Pineda, cast as Faye Valentine, who recently received a lot of hate in response to the first look at her as the character. She didn't let herself be phased, though, releasing a video response jokingly apologizing that she "did not anatomically match" the animation. After Netflix's past anime to live-action remake Death Note bombed so badly, a huge amount of pressure is on Cowboy Bebop. According to some early reviews, it's not good news. IndieWire reportedly called the show a "cosmic disaster," while Slate slammed it as “Netflix’s latest live-action anime mistake.”
It is worth noting, though, that a Netflix showrunner for Cowboy Bebop confirmed it isn't a straight remake of the anime, so fans and critics expecting a like-for-like adaptation may want to have more of an open mind. IGN has even praised the show for its strong acting and blatant love for its source material, the latter of which Cho alluded to as well. The soundtrack was a highly regarded component of the original anime, and the inclusion of Yoko Kanno and the Seatbelts (who created the beloved opening track for the anime) in this adaptation should go some way in pleasing expectant fans.
The highly stylized Cowboy Bebop trailer, released last month, increased the hype surrounding the series, and fans can finally see if the show lives up to that hype.
Cowboy Bebop is now available to stream on Netflix.
Source: Vulture