"Cowboy Bebop" is one of the most iconic anime TV series that effectively made a mark in the US.
In an article of The Atlantic published December 2014, several films were cited to have been influenced by the anime such as "Kill Bill Vol. 1" and "Brick."
Its cowboy-in-space theme mixed with some subtlety just like a film-noir has made it a must see anime for anyone who wants to learn more about this type of animation. Of course, making a live Hollywood version of the cult-anime series makes sense.
One name keeps on popping-up when talks about the live-action version of the anime: Keanu Reeves. The former "Matrix" star is seen as a sound choice given his experience in sci-fi not to mention his interest in playing the main protagonist.
But in the latest report from Movie News Guide, Reeves indicated that he "wished and hoped" he would be part of the film but would be too old in to play Spike Spiegel. He has also the script of the proposed live action adaptation and referring to it as "amazing" but indicated that the film would be very expensive to make.
Without Keanu Reeves, an actor playing Spike is yet to be cast and the huge production value of the film is a huge gamble studios are not yet sold in doing.
If there's one factor that would convince studios that anime adaption is worth the big production value, it should be "Ghost in the Shell." The cult film is expected to be released in 2017 according to Screen Rant featuring none other than Scarlett Johansson as the lead character.
According to Movie Pilot, "If 'Ghost in the Shell' does well, this will open the floodgates for all the anime live action adaptations..." Unfortunately, "Ghost in the Shell" does not hit the theaters for more than a year so fans still have to wait a bit longer before they see the live action version of "Cowboy Bebop."