“3, 2, 1… Let’s Jam” are the first lyrics of one of the most iconic anime themes ever. And we will get to hear it once more in Netflix’s new live-action adaptation of “Cowboy Bebop.” The series follows a trio of bounty hunters all with a unique set of skills but also very short on cash. The slick space western noir stars John Cho as the roguish Spike Spiegel; Mustafa Shakir as the hardboiled former cop, and Danielle Pineda as Faye Valentine, a woman with some serious attitude.
The original “Cowboy Bebop” ran over a total of 2 seasons, with 26 episodes split between them. Netflix’s live-action series will be a total of ten episodes. And based on the trailer alone, it looks like it will stay true to the kinetic energy that the animated original had. Of course there will be a few differences that separates itself from its anime counterpart. But there will be a few memorable lines, recreated scenes, and infamous characters popping up throughout the show.
The trailer confirms the appearances of characters like Spike’s arch nemesis Vicious (Alex Hassell), as well as other bounties like Teddy Bomber, LeFou, Abdul Hakim, and Maria Murdock. And let’s not forget the taglines that appear at the end. And that jazzy sound!
Though it’s understandable why some may be cautious about a live-action anime – most aren’t well received, this one has all the right creative pieces coming back. Original anime series director Shinichirō Watanabe is a consultant on the series and nd original composer Yoko Kanno returns for the live-action adaptation.
Here’s the official plot synopsis:
COWBOY BEBOP is an action-packed space Western about three bounty hunters, aka “cowboys,” all trying to outrun the past. As different as they are deadly, Spike Spiegel (John Cho), Jet Black (Mustafa Shakir), and Faye Valentine (Daniella Pineda) form a scrappy, snarky crew ready to hunt down the solar system’s most dangerous criminals — for the right price. But they can only kick and quip their way out of so many scuffles before their pasts finally catch up with them.
Based on the beloved anime series, COWBOY BEBOP is executive produced by André Nemec, Jeff Pinkner, Josh Appelbaum and Scott Rosenberg of Midnight Radio, Marty Adelstein and Becky Clements of Tomorrow Studios, Makoto Asanuma, Shin Sasaki and Masayuki Ozaki of Sunrise Inc., Tim Coddington, Tetsu Fujimura, Michael Katleman, Matthew Weinberg, and Christopher Yost. Nemec serves as showrunner.
Netflix will release the live-action “Cowboy Bebop” on November 19. All episodes of the anime original are currently on Netflix as well. So you have more than enough time to binge one of the greatest animes in history.
