Based on the cult-anime by Shinichirō Watanabe, Cowboy Bebop (2021) followed a group of outsider bounty hunters led by Spike Spiegel (Cho) as they're looking for the most valuable criminals of the galaxy. Mustafa Shakir portrayed Spike's trusted co-pilot Jet Black. Danielle Pineda portrayed the highly capable bounty hunter Faye Valentine. The series premiered on the 19th of November.
(L-R) John Cho, Daniella Pineda and Mustafa Shakir
The long-expected live-action adaptation was delayed during production due to Cho's on-set injury. The original director of the anime series Shinichirō Watanabe served as an advisor to the series. Original composer Yoko Kanno also returned to score the series.
The live-action version of the classic received mixed criticism by both fans and critics. The series didn't have a lasting impression in the top 10 of the streamer. As Cowboy Bebop (2021) was so expensive, the number of viewers that were required to justify a renewal wasn't met at all. This also explains why this cancellation may have come a lot faster than usual, as Netflix traditionally waits at least 28 days before a decision is made.
Tomorrow Studios is already working on a new live-action series adaptation of another beloved anime series, One Piece.
John Cho reacted to the cancellation with the following Tweet:
— John Cho (x-on:JohnTheCho) December 10, 2021
