Keanu Reeves recently spoke to MTV, updating us on the progress of his latest live-action passion project Cowboy Bebop.
The project appears to be perfect for Reeves, who loves his anime but also holds a special place for the Sci-Fi genre. Having done films like A Scanner Darkly, Constantine, The Matrix, and the recent The Day The Earth Stood Still, it seems fitting for him to embody the role of Spike Spiegel.
The Japanese television series follows a group of bounty hunters in the year 2071, traveling on the their spaceship “the Bebop.” Spike and Jet Black pilot their way through the universe collecting bounties and adding new members to the Bebop crew. The anime has earned creditable success across the globe, so the hopes (and stakes) are high.
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Reeves revealed a bit about the projects status and as well as some thoughts on the upcoming adaption. He explained “we’ve got the rights, we’ve got a writer” and “he’s putting together a scene outline.” He also said the plot would focus on a fictional drug, Red Eye, which provides its users with superhuman reflexes and awareness.
Though focusing on the beginning of the series is good footing, Reeves also said “and then we’ll deal with the end of the series. We’re trying to figure out [the time frame]. We’re looking at the story right now.” This is where the premise pieces should concern fans.
The 26-episode show, and anime feature film, doesn’t maintain a linear style of storytelling; beginning with a premise, each show is rather episodic. Reeves said “because it’s such a short form, to make a 2 hour version [will be tough]” and coupled with the described plot, the film would be unfaithful and counter-intuitive the the actual show.
He continued with “and it’s got so much of an origin-story obligation; you’ve got to get people up to speed, but you don’t want to do much of that. There are a lot of things to take into consideration, but we think we can do something good.” I hope so, but we might need to be light on the definition of “good.”
Because of Cowboy Bebop’s style of storytelling, the film should be an introduction to the world as it exists. There are few good origin stories, films that introduce the characters properly. Its success has been dependent on settling up the world, as it exists to the main characters, and shedding light on their motivation. Reeves has part of it right, but a film adaption of Cowboy Bebop should only remain in the beginning of the series and end with the assumed continuation of its premise. If done well, the eventual end of the series could be part of a sequel or third film. I suggest this because this particular series requires more time to develop on screen, as exemplified by its television counterpart, presented to a wide audience as a first impression doesn’t allow the viewer to enjoy the premises enough to accept the conclusion.
Though Reeves knows the challenges in making a movie for Cowboy Bebop, he did say “Yeah, but that’s why you want to do it.” At least there are some positive signs in this project’s development.
Are you looking forward to a Cowboy Bebop movie? Do you think Reeves can pull it off?
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45 Comments
Seriously, for anyone who has never seen this series, go rent it. The storytelling is superb and the soundtrack alone is better than most modern music; abstract yet it also complements the series.
Plus, they did an animated movie as well. I watched that first then the series and it spoiled nothing.
I’m sorry, I love Bebop and Reeves, I’ll probably name my son Keanu, but I cannot imagine Neo with an afro.
But I’m sure there’s a nice Fae Valentine out there.
Also the thing’s gonna be about the Red Eye drug from the first episode? That’s it? C’mon, I think there are better things to base a Bebop movie on.
I will be very surprised if they pull it off well–just gotta wait for a trailer I guess.
I’m a huge Bebop fan, not so much a Reeves fan as he can’t really act. There’s not really many of his movies that I like. But as huge a fan as I am of Cowboy Bebop, I really don’t want them to make a live-action film based off of it. There’s no way they could do the series credit. The only way I could begin to see this as good is if the people from Firefly were attached to the project. Sorry if that upsets people, but that’s the way I see it.
I heart Cowboy Bebop too. I think Keanu could be hit or miss in it, but if the rest of the cast and the direction are good, then he’ll be great too
I think it’s good that he’s such a fan too, but I’m not sure if he’s really looking to put this project together correctly. Being a fan, can kill a project too… Wanting too much for the project makes it increasingly difficult to do.
I can’t stand anime, and before you say “oh, but you have to see this one,” I have, my friend loves anime, still don’t like it, but looking at the picture, I think Reeves would look perfect for the role. Not sure about the acting, but he has the looks and body build… Whoa…
@ Carl, look at Nic Cage and Ghost Rider. He claims to be a huge fan of GR, and look at how that film turned out… lol
@Ken J
That’s a great example of fanfare gone bad, but I also chalk that one to poor writing. Mark Steven Johnson wrote Electra and Daredevil as well, the guy just can’t write comic book movies.
LOL, very true, very true
Hate me for it. I do love CB, but for some reason. I can see Reeves playing Spike. I know, I know…*Prepares for hate mail*
@Ken J
Seriously, there is nothing else I would ever say that about. I’m sure you’ve heard that too
, but… Cowboy Bebop isn’t your stereotypical anime. It has elements of anime to it but the depth and character driven stories rival most dramas.
I’m not excited about a live action movie either cause the series was so darn good it won’t improve it by making it live.
Ya know i was just watching CB today and was thinking to myself if they ever made a live version i could see them casting Reeves in the part of Spike. Although i am with most of you that they should leave well enough alone, the style was just too perfect and the writing was beyond most oscar winning movies today. It will be extremely hard to top the original series. Also, I cant say that im a fan of Reeves either, but there are so few hollywood types that would fit Spikes unique role. Faye could be filled by a whole bucket load of starlets. My biggest concern would be Jet. Who would fill his boots? Not many could pull his look and demeanor off well. One person does come to mind though. Stanely Tucci. Already bald, can be a bad ass sometimes, and is old enough to appear fatherly, while being young enough to be a contempary of Spike and Faye.
Ok zipper, you are not doing your kind any justice. Did I not just say that I’ve seen Cowboy Bebop before so I know that I SPECIFICALLY do not like CB and not just because it’s an anime?? Yes, yes I did, thanks. lol
Why is that when it comes to the scifi genre, Keanu is the man? Isn’t there anyone else?
well the casting of the film is a huge challenge and while Mr. Reeves may have the martial arts chops he doesn’t have the dry mischevious wit that is needed to play Spike imho. Nathan Fillion has the acting chops but not the martial arts skills. Maybe you could get a guy like John Cusack, he does world weary incredibly well.
As for Jet, you need a big bear type of guy, maybe Michael Chiklis(sp.?) of The Shield.
Faye Valentine may be a Jessica Alba or Scarlett Johannsen kind of role but it’s too bad that Claudia Christian is probably too old for it now.
good luck finding a charismatic kid to play the spacey Ed and a trained Cogi for Ein. Just make sure neither of them come from Disney.
As for their story idea, that is somewhat asinine because the first episode (Red Eye) and the last episode have damn little to link them and if Reeves is as much as a fanboy as he says he is, he should know that you can’t get there from here.
just my .02 and yeah Ms. Kanno kicks ass with her musical chops, ’nuff said. It’s one of the few anime that has a kickass Dub and has music that accompanies the mood settings so well.
@SK47
I think part of it comes down to him actively pursuing it, or maybe his agent makes sure his name is brought up.
Don’t get the idea of struggling to come up with a script. They did a Cowboy Bebop movie and it was great.
Also don’t see the need to introduce the work. The show never did. It just threw you in and took you along.
I love Bebop and don’t see the need for a live action, nor want to see Reeves in it.
World, not work.
Although solar system is more accurate.
By the opinions stated in the preceding comments, I may be one of the few CB fans anxiously anticipating this movie, and not because I expect it to be good. I just know that it’s not impossible to make a CB live action movie as long as you can make the audience empathize with the characters like the series does for most fans.
With a good cast and an unpretentious script, a CB movie can rival Will Smith’s “Legend.” I don’t see Keanu Reeves as Spike because he’s not a very versatile actor, but I bet there’s another actor out there who can fit the bill just a bit more, like Shia LeBoeuff (we know he can pull thick, wavy hair, though he might look too young) or Will Yun Lee (he just came to mind). I do look forward to seeing Reeve’s interpretation of CB. I can only hope that it good.
Ron Perlman as Jet?
Anyhow, I wrote a ‘protest’ comic about this idea a while ago, but since then I’m starting to think Keanu Reeves might not be so bad.
Dunno. I’m conflicted on this one.
I’ve never been a huge fan of anime but Cowboy Bebop definitely kept my attention. The series is pure genius. Not many stories can captivate both the East and the West, but Cowboy Bebop did just that. I’m definitely looking forward to the film. I think Reeves would make a perfect Spike Spiegal. They just have to make sure they get the hair right. I’m also interested in who is going to play Fay, Spike, and Edward. Any rumors on these actors yet?
Well, I don’t typically like anime-to-live movies, just look how they screwed Dragonball over. As I was reading the comments, piratedan said that he couldn’t imagine who could play Ed. I’m not sure how it would work out, but I could see Abigail Breslin playing Ed. She’s a good character actress and could problly pull it off. I still don’t want a live action film of it though.
Odd how i was just having a debate about making CB a live action not even a month ago. But Reeves as Spike im not quite sold, it’s already been mentioned but i’ll say it again that i feel he just doesnt have the witty humor side to fill the role. As for the other characters i have some solid ideas on those.
Vicious – Aaron Eckhart (sp?)
Jet Black – Michael Chicllis (again sp?), or i was playing with the idea of Bruce Willis
as for the others i really am not sure, Faye def. a hard decision. Ed and ein however i feel could be easily cast.
the girl from ” the big red couch” as radical edward. your all welcome, ty ty.
i think Keanu should play Jet
VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV
http://c3.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/6/l_9e45fa6c17f04a2990e9a8f805403112.jpg
as for Spike….im pretty much him…i was born june 26, im 6′, and my hair was accidently dyed green 5 months ago, (before i even herd of the show)
http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/24/l_892cfe437fc6418e87270433d299f18d.jpg
oh and another crazy coincidence…Spike has five letters, so does shane…Spiegel has 7, so does Offield
i dont mean to sound arrogant, i just think its uncanny
also i just think its flat out a bad idea..i mean spike has to be able to move like bruce lee and i just dont know if keanu can really pull that off…itll be a flop..
I’m a HUGE fan of Cowboy Bebop and I like Keanu Reeves, but Neo becoming Spike?? What the crap! I mean, what’s next, Vin Diesel is to be Jet Black?? Oh, and perhaps Angelina Jolie will want to be Faye Valentine, Dakota Fanning will be Edward, Christian Bale will want to be Vicious and to top it all off Buddy the Basketball-playing dog will be Ein as well!!! And I thought that Hollywood couldn’t churn out anymore bad movies, but I was wrong. I hope that Sunrise and the others pull the plug on the rights.
I’m this major anime freak, and Cowboy Bebop tops the list. I mean,its one of the best out there. And I’m a hardcore Keanu Reeves fan. He’s the best. But awesome as he is, a live action wouldn’t do justice to the series. It never does. It’s not about actors but the whole idea of turning anime into live action movies.
I’m not too eager about this thing, but if it has to be, it has to be Reeves, he’s the best option by far. Anybody else would be disastrous.
Wonder who can pull of Faye though. Or Ed.. Or Vicious. The rest of the cast confounds me.
You guys are worrying way too much about who will look the part in the acting roles.
I am extremely worried about the story.
They should really focus on not having a PG rating, remember, Cowboy Bebop(CB) has bursts of bloody violence from time to time, and trys to combine many genres like Jazz, Criminal, Western, Space age, action,comedy,ADULT THEMES and others I CBB naming.
Now they are going to combine all this into a movie, now just think how wierd it would look for a typical movie goer(lay person) to have all these genres rolled in to one, its not going to make sence at times, so then there is that challenge.
And if they do the Red sparay story line, then there is no Ein(my fav after Spike), Ed or Faye, so its just those two.
It would be better if they made up a completely new villian like they did for the animated movie.
I am also more worried about the themes they go for, like will they select easy-to-understand shallow themes or something strong that speaks to everyone like the pain and struggles of the past(in this case, spike’s past), cause that is one of the best ones to go for, as the same can be applied ot Jet’s past.Then focus on how Spikes fake eye sees(reminds him) of the past and then conclude it with something positive like the past does not determine the future if you make the present count(yeah that was bad, but this was off the top of my head)-you know, something meaningful and deep.
Four things that Make CB:
-Kick Ass Jazz Music that sound better that the crap of radios these days(damn, Japan make good music as well-LOL)
-Spike
-Action-Space and espcially Gun violence
-Deep Meaningful themes
This movie should be made without Faye, Ed , and still have ein, cause that is one wicked Data Dog.
Reeves can easily play the part, all he has to do is be more commited to the role and do his research ( which he should since he does watch anime).
BTW, I will snap so hard if they do not have music from the 1998 Anime, cause that was the best music ever.
@ Fred
Oh Come on. Cowboy Bebop without Faye and Ed? Man, I sure hope that’s not how it happens. Maybe they’ll start with Red Eye and link it up to the end somehow, not that it sounds too good.
But I really agree with you about the music. Without Yoko Kanno and The Seatbelts, it’ll be a real bummer.
Btw, I don’t think anybody who hasn’t already watched the anime, would make much of the movie.
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