Netflix have announced the premiere date of their live-action adaption of Cowboy Bebop, with series composer Yoko Kanno working on the soundtrack.
The announcement came via Twitter; showing the main cast of John Cho (Spike Spiegel), Mustafa Shakir (Jet Black), and Daniella Pineda (Faye Valentine) grooving to the iconic Tank! theme.
Kanno’s involvement is sure to be a delight to some fans, as the jazz and blues soundtrack (and more) is synonymous with the anime. She had stated in prior interviews that music was the first thing produced; before characters or story had been finalized. Director Shinichirō Watanabe would later state that the music helped inspire the stories, which in turn would inspire more music.
The original 1997 manga and 1998 anime series was set in 2071. Earth has become uninhabitable, with the human race colonizing the solar system. As crime rises, the Inter Solar System Police authorize registered bounty hunters, or Cowboys, to track down criminals.
The series focuses on Cowboy Spike Spiegel, as he and his friends attempt to earn cold hard cash. However, each must face their pasts; such as Spike’s involvement with the Red Dragon Syndicate, and the assassin Vicious.
Yoko Kanno, the composer behind the iconic soundtrack of the original COWBOY BEBOP anime will be creating the soundtrack for the new Live Action Series. Also confirmed…Cowboy Bebop is coming this Fall. #GeekedWeek pic.twitter.com/6lHZQcoFR6
— Netflix Geeked (@NetflixGeeked) June 8, 2021
While production began in October 2019, production was halted after Cho suffered an injury on-set. While this delay was set for seven to nine months; the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown orders caused further delays. Filming resumed in New Zealand in July 2020.
Executive producer Javier Grillo-Marxuach stated in June 2020 that the Netflix adaptation is not meant to be a “replacement” for the original. However while saying these, other changes such as Faye’s outfit being “toned down” and diminishing the glamorization of smoking were mentioned. Intersex character Gren will also be “reimagined” as non-binary in the live-action adaption; and portrayed by a non-binary actor.
Last month, a Japanese poll asked anime fans what titles they wanted to see adapted into live action by Hollywood. The overwhelming majority stated “nothing.”
