We reported all the way back in July that a live action adaptation of Shinichiro Watanabe's classic anime Cowboy Bebop was in the works and now we know who's behind it: Keanu Reeves and his long time producer Erwin Stoff. Reeves told MTV that he'll be playing lead character Spike Spiegel in the film with a story built around the Red Eye episode from the beginning of the anime series. Can Reeves pull off Spiegel's cool charisma? I have my doubts but based on the interview linked above it's at least clear that he's got a legitimate love and understanding of the show ...
You forgot the "ducks & runs" remark!
Still, this -might- work, he can do a believable slouch and knows some martial arts too.
I don't see this work at all. But hey I've been wrong before.
Yeah, I'm more worried about everything else really.
The settings, the music, the other characters and their dynamic. Lots of things could go wrong, but sticking to the first story arch seems like a good idea. That way they only have to worry about Spike and Jet, which keeps things a lot easier.
My thought exactly, illogic ... keeping it focused on Spike and Jet is the best way to go. I find the other two characters borderline annoying in the anime and trying to translate either of them to live action seems destined to fail miserably to me. I was pleased to see Keanu talking about the importance of design in this world ... he seems to at least have a good grasp on how the world is just as important as the characters here ...
I'd always hoped that should an adaptation occur, we'd be lucky enough to see Takesshi Kaneshiro or Tadanobu Asano as Spike. Both have the right build, and scruffy charisma for the role. But actually, Reeves' oft stoned sounding line deliveries could work here. If they acknowledge the show's sense of humor, and maintain the jazz soundtrack rather than just running with the idea of bounty hunters in space, this might have a chance. Hopefully they include Ein, so if all else fails, at least we'll have the occasional corgi reaction shot thrown in.
PS - Keanu Reeves in COWBOY BEBOP? I find myself unable to express my feelings about this in a manner appropriate for posting in a public forum, but rest assured those feelings are extremely unpleasant.
The only one who could have played this role was Yuusaku Matsuda!
I disagree, Todd, about Spike and Jet's pals being "borderline annoying" (personally, I find the seemingly adrogynous Ed f**king adorable), but I do agree that creating real life counterparts just doesn't seem possible. And Keanu as Spike? How about Keanu in anything? The guy has neither charisma nor acting ability.
There is no chance this can be anything else besides massive fail. No chance.
Nevermind the cool charisma, can he pull off the hair?
More seriously, a legitimate love and understanding of the show is better than some of these projects have started out with, though it still doesn't seem promising.
They need to work in Faye Valentine. Then watch Angelina Jolie try to glom onto the part.
oh jesus christ
Another movie i'm not watching, thanks for the warning.
I think the world is coming to an end with all these horrible movies being made. Akira, Oldboy, Tale of Two Sisters, now Cowboy Bebop. These were all classics in their fields and now that their being remade.... i'm just speechless
There is only one person who could play a Spike i'd watch....abeit he's a little young but... Joseph Gordon levitt and Rian Johnson should direct.. he's (Rian) a huge bebop fan...just check out the vibe of Brothers Bloom...he wanted to used the Tank Music in the trailer but couldn't but what he chose clearly states his love. Now go back and watch Levitt in Brick...lone anti hero with quick wit, dry delivery, fights like a dog and walks hands in pockest with a very Spike alike slouch...and he's certainly got the hair. I actually don't think Reeves IS that bad..but in mind he lacks the cool...Levitt is the man.
Joseph Gordon Levitt? I still blame him for making me not like Treasure Planet. How about Eddie Furlong??
could Furlong even get his fatass off the couch?