Netflix's live-action reboot of Cowboy Bebop has been generating lots of excited buzz, and Deadpool show why the anime adaptation can work. The original Japanese anime, which first hit the U.S. via Adult Swim in 2001, follows the Bebop spaceship's crew of bounty hunters as they journey throughout the solar system in a futuristic universe where life on Earth has become increasingly precarious. Utilizing an intriguing blend of noir-themed bleakness and lighthearted goofiness and sarcasm, the show's tone makes it uniquely entertaining. The anime's tone and general vibes will also be a vital part of what makes the forthcoming remake succeed or not.
Originally, main characters Spike Spiegel and Jet Black are Bebop's only two intergalactic, gun-wielding "cowboys." As time progresses within the show, the team expands. One of the crew's eventual additions is the feisty character of Faye Valentine. And, judging by the recently-released trailer for Cowboy Bebop's upcoming live-action reboot show on Netflix (which is set for November 19th), it looks as though those particular characters will return in 3D. The concept of a fresh franchise installment is exciting enough on its own, but the fun, quick-paced nature of the trailer makes the new series seem even more promising.
Another positive sign from the teaser is some of its notable similarities with other projects that have really worked, and been well-received, in the past. The humorous, self-aware way that Spike (John Cho), Jet (Mustafa Shakir), and Faye (Daniella Pineda) break the fourth wall and purposely interact with the promo's artistic boundaries, such as moving and stepping in and out of manga panels (a clear nod to the anime series and manga), are extremely reminiscent of the popular, aptly R-rated Deadpool movies. Since the first Ryan Reynolds-led, irreverent comedy-laden superhero film premiered in 2016, the similarly meta and self-aware comic book character of Wade Wilson/Deadpool has drawn in original readers of the comic books and amassed legions of new fans via his movie adaptations. Deadpool-type vibes abound in the new Cowboy Bebop trailer in tone, action, and even its off-beat sense of humor.
Plus, the reboot just looks plain good. It's certainly nice to see some early, positive signs from the upcoming show's marketing. When any beloved anime series announces a remake, there's always a chance the original's tone and overall appeal - which helped make it so popular in the first place - might be bungled by poor creative handling. On the contrary, Spike, Jet, and Faye's appearances in the new teaser allow longtime followers to breathe a sigh of relief. As many people have already noted online, the trailer actually pulls a lot off at once. At this point, the Cowboy Bebop remake doesn't appear to tweak the original anime's tone in any direction, making it too dark or too goofy either. Instead, the incredibly unique western-sci-fi-noir hybrid franchise seems as though it will keep the anime's integrity very much intact.
The internet is already overflowing with signs of optimistic anticipation from Cowboy Bebop fans. The stage is certainly set to gift the world with a remake done the right way. And if the reboot takes as much of a witty, Deadpool-esque approach to its storytelling as the new teaser presents, there's a proven track record for how monstrously successful this already-popular franchise revival can be.
Cowboy Bebop will release November 19th on Netflix.