The live-action adaptation of the acclaimed and influential anime series “Cowboy Bebop” had a long gestational history with production delays and much discussion.
Shortly before release, Netflix did a big promotional push to get people excited even as there was some concern over the trailers. Those involved in the series were keen for more though with developer Andre Nemec indicating he was ready to move forward on another season should they get the green light.
However, the show’s critical reviews were underwhelming and conversation about the show seemingly vanished overnight. Its cancellation just a few weeks later didn’t come as a surprise.
Still there were some that were disappointed, including series lead star John Cho. Cho famously injured himself badly whilst shooting the series in New Zealand which then halted production to accomodate his recovery.
He put a lot of work into the series, and so he tells THR he was understandably disappointed by the early reaction but has been very happy with some of the positive audience feedback he’s received:
“I put a lot of my life into it. I’d gotten injured shooting that show and so I took a year off because of the surgery and devoted myself to rehab, came back and finished the show. It was this huge mountain for me to climb, healing from that injury. I felt good about myself as a result.
We also shot the show in New Zealand, so my family moved there. It was just a huge event in my life and it was suddenly over. It was very shocking and I was bummed. But I was very warmed by the response. I wish I could have contacted everybody and gotten hugs.
You can’t do that now, but … I don’t know what this is. I’m mystified a little bit about how you can connect with people that you don’t know doing your work, but I won’t question it. I will value it and treasure it. I’m just really deeply appreciative that anyone would care. It’s stunning to me.”
Cho will soon be seen in Hannah Marks’ adventure dramedy “Don’t Let Me Go” and is expected to reprise his role of Sulu in another “Star Trek” film which aims to shoot before year’s end.
