If "the past is the past and the future is the future," then Netflix just welcomed fans of the iconic COWBOY BEBOP franchise into a new era by announcing that John Cho (SEARCHING), Mustafa Shakir (Marvel's LUKE CAGE), Daniella Pineda (JURASSIC WORLD: FALLEN KINGDOM) and Alex Hassell (SUBURBICON) will star as the main cast of the streamer's upcoming live-action adaptation of the action-packed Space Western Japanese animated series.
The project hails from a collaborative effort between Tomorrow Studios, Marty Adelstein, ITV Studios, and Midnight Radio (Josh Appelbaum, Andre Nemec, Jeff Pinkner & Scott Rosenberg). Written and executive produced by screen and comic book contributor Chris Yost (THOR: RAGNAROK), COWBOY BEBOP features the story of a rag-tag group of bounty hunters on the run as they travel the stars in search of the known galaxy's worst of the worst. Along their journey, each will have to make peace with their past selves, while simultaneously making an attempt to save the world. Oh, but about that whole "saving the world" thing … they're not about to do it for free.
Here is the casting and character breakdowns for the four key players of COWBOY BEBOP:
Cho is Spike Spiegel, an impossibly cool “cowboy” (bounty hunter) with a deadly smile, a wry wit, and style to spare. He travels the solar system with his ex-cop partner, Jet, pursuing the future’s most dangerous bounties with a combination of charm, charisma — and deadly Jeet Kune Do.
Shakir is Jet Black, one of the few honest cops in the solar system before an ultimate betrayal robbed him of all that he loved, forcing him into a vagabond life of hunting bounties to put food on the table. Jet is an inveterate jazz enthusiast and Captain of the Bebop.
Pineda is Faye Valentine, a bold, brash and unpredictable bounty hunter. Suffering from amnesia after years of being cryogenically frozen, Faye does whatever it takes to survive. Whether she’s lying, stealing, or just being a thorn in Spike and Jet’s side.
Hassell is Vicious, a man who thoroughly enjoys a good kill, Vicious is the Syndicate’s most notorious hitman. He’s also Spike Spiegel’s ex-partner and arch-enemy. (via Deadline)
Radical Ed will also appear in the series, but the casting process for that character is ongoing.
Whoa! I have to admit, there's was a small part of me that never thought this project would come together, but here we are. COWBOY BEBOP is legendary within the anime community, and Netflix looks to be prepping a diverse take on the cast when updating this well-known classic. These casting choices have me really excited for the show, and I've been a fan of Yost's comic book work for years. If you get the chance, check out some of his Spider-Man comics. They're action-packed, emotional, and tap into much of what makes that character so much fun to read.
Let us know what you think of the COWBOY BEBOP casting below.