So the inevitable has happened, as we mentioned previously, Keanu Reeves will assume the role of Spike Spiegel in a live-action Cowboy Bebop. Although this is a Sci-Fi mission for Fox, there are some signs of intelligent life.

From the Japanese anime, Reeves will star as Spike, hurling through space aboard the “Bebop.” The time is 2071 and the story follows a group of bounty hunters through their numerous adventures. No official details on which episode they’ll adapt from, but Reeves has said the plot would focus on a fictional drug “Red Eye.” A writer by the name of Peter Craig has the difficult task of writing the screenplay, but he will have some good help.

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.

First Showing is reporting that Keanu “Whoah” Reeves is adding another straight-faced hero to his resume, playing intergalactic bounty hunter Spike Spiegel in the live-action adaption of anime cult-favorite, Cowboy Bebop.