The Anime Cowboy Bebop is a masterpiece. The Netflix Live Action adaptation is an empty shell that doesn’t capture anything from the anime that reflects the soul, heart, humor, noir, or substance of it in any way shape or form.  It butchers the story and the characters, namely Spike and Faye; who’s character was completely butchered. The story was a jumbled mess with HORRIBLE writing. It truly defies logic when you think HOW on Earth can anyone mess something up THIS bad when they have a literal blue print in front of them. Well… I’ll tell you why.

In a 2019 interview with the creator of the Anime Cowboy Bebop, Shinichirō Watanabe, regarding the live action adaptation said:

“I read the initial concept and provided my opinions,” explained Watanabe. “But I’m not sure if they will be reflected in the final product.”

and later, following up on the director’s seeming lack of confidence in Netflix’s adaptation, Takahashi next inquired, “As the original creator, how would you feel if what you saw in the original scenario pitch and what was broadcasted differed?”

Watanabe replied, “That would leave a sour taste in my mouth.”

“However, for example,” Watanabe also reasoned, “When transitioning a manga to an anime, if the original author speaks out on various points, it makes the work for the anime staff and it won’t necessarily make it a good product.”

Concluding his thoughts on the adaptation, Watanabe asserted, “That’s why I have no choice but to pray and hope that it will turn out good (lol).”

“Also, for ‘Cowboy Bebop’ I don’t have any right to stop it,” he subsequently clarified. “Those rights are in the hands of Sunrise, so if you have a complaint, please send it to them (lol).”

Well as it happens, his prayers were not answered, because The Netflix live action adaptation is an abomination. And to think, that the studio had Shinichirō Watanabe at their disposal and just “took notes” and decided, hey, you know what? why don’t we just not do anything he said and do our own thing? Cause, I bet you, if the creator had anything to do with this, this would not have been the final result.

Anyway, please, let this putrid adaptation remain a distant memory of a thing that we never talk about. And just go and enjoy the anime version. 

Lastly, I understand that there are a minority of people that want it to come back, but I felt my soul die when I watched it and I think there are many who agree with me, so I’m asking for you to sign my petition to keep it cancelled. Thank you.