Cowboy Bebop creator calls Netflix adaptation a disaster

Shinichiro Watanabe, the visionary creator of the highly acclaimed cult classic sci-fi anime series Cowboy Bebop, holds a special place in the hearts of fans worldwide. With an enduring fan base and a legacy that continues to captivate audiences, the announcement of a live-action adaptation on Netflix in 2021 ignited immense excitement and soaring expectations. However, the adaptation ultimately fell short of the mark and quickly found its way onto the list of worst live-action adaptations.

The disappointing reception of Cowboy Bebop on Netflix prompted the streaming giant to cancel the series a mere three weeks after its debut. In a recent interview with Forbes, Watanabe candidly expressed his disapproval of the live-action adaptation, which stirred up controversy when he revealed that he couldn’t bear to watch beyond the opening scene due to the unpleasant experience it offered.

Critics and audiences echoed Watanabe’s sentiment, as the Netflix adaptation of Cowboy Bebop garnered a paltry 47% positive rating from critics on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, while audiences gave it a modest 60% positive score. Furthermore, viewership plummeted by a staggering 59% in its second week, starting from November 29, 2022, leaving little hope for the series to recover from such a massive decline.

During the interview, Watanabe disclosed that Netflix had requested his review and feedback on the adaptation, but he found it incredibly challenging to continue watching after the initial casino scene. He admitted to stopping there, thus only witnessing the opening sequence. He made it clear that what he saw was a clear departure from the essence of “Cowboy Bebop,” leading him to realize that without his involvement, it could never truly capture the spirit of the original anime.

Reflecting on the situation, Watanabe pondered whether he should have taken a more active role in the live-action adaptation. He lamented that the value of the original anime had somehow become even more elevated in his eyes. It was evident that his absence from the project had resulted in a subpar live-action series, joining the ranks of infamous disappointments like “Dragon Ball: Evolution” and Netflix’s “Death Note.” While he had been approached as a consultant for the project, his input on the script had been disregarded entirely.

Despite the disappointment, Watanabe remained hopeful, waiting and observing, clinging to the belief that the adaptation might somehow redeem itself and not let down the passionate fans. In a 2019 interview, he expressed his sentiments, stating that he had no choice but to pray and hope for a positive outcome.

Although Watanabe seemed unfazed by the poor response to the Netflix adaptation, he retained faith that fans who were left disheartened would ultimately return to indulge in the classic anime series, seeking solace and nostalgia in the cherished memories it evokes.

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