John Cho will lead Netflix's live-action Cowboy Bebop
John Cho is getting ready to jam on Netflix.
Cho is set to star as the central character, Spike Spiegel, in Netflix's live-action Cowboy Bebop series, The Hollywood Reporter reported on Thursday. Netflix described the protagonist of the series, an adaptation of the beloved anime, as an "impossibly cool 'cowboy' (bounty hunter) with a deadly smile, a wry wit and style to spare." In addition to his movie roles in the Star Trek and Harold & Kumar films, some of Cho's recent television projects have included The Exorcist, Go On, and Selfie, and he will star in an upcoming episode of CBS All Access' The Twilight Zone.
Cho's casting in Cowboy Bebop comes three years after the hashtag #StarringJohnCho became an internet sensation, used by those advocating for more diversity in film and television by imagining projects where Cho could be the lead. Cho last year starred in Searching, which earned him a nomination for Best Male Lead at the Film Independent Spirit Awards.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Also joining the show's cast as Jet Black, Spike's partner, is Mustafa Shakir, who previously portrayed Bushmaster in Netflix's Luke Cage. Daniella Pineda, who played Zia Rodriguez in Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, will star as con artist Faye Valentine, and Alex Hassell will play Vicious, an ex-partner of Spike's who he is at odds with in the show.
Cowboy Bebop, which revolves around a group of bounty hunters and their adventures in space, made its television debut in 1998 and has continued to attract new fans in the years since. Netflix originally announced the live-action remake last November, though no release date has been set. Original series director Shinichiro Watanabe will consult on the new show.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.
-
The insides and outsides of Helsinki's energetic art scene
The Week Recommends Finland's capital has an admirable mix of street art and museums
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
'We have witnessed firsthand how health and civics intersect'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Abortion rights are a 'core issue' for Kamala Harris
The Explainer She is featuring a 'rapid-response mentality' on reproductive rights
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
OJ Simpson, star athlete tried for murder, dead at 76
Speed Read The former football hero and murder suspect lost his battle with cancer
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Momofuku's 'Chili Crunch' trademark uproar
Speed Read The company's attempt to own the sole rights has prompted backlash
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Kevin Hart awarded Mark Twain Prize
Speed Read He is the 25th recipient of the prestigious comedy prize
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Is Downton Abbey set to return for a final film?
Speed Read Imelda Staunton reveals that a third movie may be in the pipeline
By Adrienne Wyper, The Week UK Published
-
'Oppenheimer' sweeps Oscars with 7 wins
speed read The film won best picture, best director (Christopher Nolan) and best actor (Cillian Murphy)
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
'Rust' armorer convicted of manslaughter
speed read The film's cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was shot and killed by actor Alec Baldwin during rehearsal
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
The Beatles are getting 4 intersecting biopics
Speed Read Director Sam Mendes is making four separate movies, each told from the perspective of one band member
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Taylor Swift to Miley Cyrus: female artists dominate 2024 Grammys
Speed Read SZA, Phoebe Bridgers and Lainey Wilson were also among the winners at LA gala
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published