Netflix's Cowboy Bebop Live-Action Series Will Be Delayed After Star's On-Set Injury

The much-anticipated live-action adaptation of the hugely popular anime series Cowboy Bebop has only been in production for a few weeks, but it will now face a lengthy delay. It has been reported that star John Cho has injured himself on-set, leading the production on the Netflix show to shut down for many months.

According to Deadline, Cho suffered a a knee injury during a "routine and well-rehearsed scene" on the New Zealand set of Cowboy Bebop. The injury requires surgery and extensive rehabilitation, and Cho has flown back to LA for treatment. The production shutdown is expected to last from seven to nine months.

The site states that because filming was at an early stage, Netflix could've easily recast the role. However, the streaming giant is reportedly "fully committed" to Cho and willing to wait until next year to resume shooting. Cho himself posted on Instagram, thanking fans for the good wishes.

The Cowboy Bebop series was first announced in November 2018. Cho was confirmed in the role of bounty hunter Spike Spiegel in April, and earlier this month a behind-the-scenes video was released. The cast also includes Alex Hassell as Vicious, Daniella Pineda as Faye Valentine, and Mustafa Shakir as Jet Black. Thor: The Dark World writer Christopher Yost is executively producing and has written the first episode.

The anime series Cowboy Bebop was released in Japan in 1998 and ran for 26 episodes. It was followed by an animated movie in 2003, as well as a manga series and a video game. It became one of the key anime properties to break through to a western audience and was screened on Adult Swim in the US.