Is it even Cowboy Bebop if “Tank!” doesn’t open every episode? Longtime fans of the original anime series will be delighted to hear that Netflix’s live-action update will be using the same iconic theme song made popular by composer Yoko Kanno in 1998. During today’s Tudum event, the streaming service debuted the full opening credits sequence for the new series. It offers an almost shot-for-shot recreation of the classic cartoon intro.
The opening sequence provides our first glimpse at footage of John Cho (and his hair) as Spike Spiegel along with his two bounty-hunting partners: Jet Black (Mustafa Shakir) and Faye Valentine (Daniella Pineda). Overall, it’s an impressive tribute to the original series, complete with vivid colors and silhouetted spin-kicks. And of course, the gang’s spaceship, the Bebop, can also be seen flying around in between shots. Check it out for yourself below.
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Netflix still hasn’t released a full-length trailer for the show, so the new intro will have to tide fans over until then. Plus, the streamer dropped a handful of new images from the series that highlight its supporting cast members. Chiefest among them? Spike’s partner-turned-nemesis Vicious (played by Alex Hassell), a member of the Red Dragon crime syndicate. Other recognizable faces include Elena Satine as Julia, Mason Alexander Park as Gren, Tamara Tunie as Ana, and the legendary Adrienne Barbeau as Maria Murdock. Even the Cowboys’ Corgi companion, Ein, gets some love. You can view all these stills and more in the gallery below.
Cowboy Bebop premieres on Netflix on November 19.
What do you think of the new intro for the series? Let us know in the comment section below!
Recommended Reading: Cowboy Bebop: The Anime TV Series and Movie: Pocket Guide
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Cowboy Bebop Supporting Cast
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John Cho, of course, is SPIKE SPIEGEL
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Tamara Tunie is ANA: a confidant from Spike’s past and owner of the hottest night club in the galaxy. Trafficker of killer cocktails, eclectic jazz and the information you're looking for.
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Adrienne Barbeau is MARIA MURDOCK: an eco-fascist whose hostile measures to protect nature have planted her firmly in “terrorist” territory. And when you care that much about Mother Nature...well, let’s just say it doesn’t leave a lot of room for anything else in your life.
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Elena Satine is JULIA: Don’t be fooled into thinking she’s just a pretty face–this femme fatale is a smart as she is beautiful.
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Harry is EIN: a VERY good boy who may or may not be capable of more than just sitting, sleeping, and rolling over.
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Ira Munn and Lucy Currey are PUNCH and JUDY: the hosts of BIG SHOT, the public access program where Spike, Jet, and Faye get the scoop on active bounties– aka “the show that tells all about fugitives.”
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Jay Uddin and Lydia Peckham are ASIMOV and KATERINA: a (literal) couple on the run, desperately in love and looking for a big score to fuel their future. Sounds romantic, right? But it’s never just that simple.
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Josh Randall is PIERROT LE FOU: a man whose tether to sanity has been frayed by scientific experimentation. Turn him loose, arm him to the teeth...what could possibly go wrong?
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Alex Hassell is VICIOUS: Capo of the Syndicate’s Red Dragon crime family–feared by all for his short temper and his lethal approach. Big fan of katanas, sworn enemy of one Spike Spiegel.
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Mason Alexander Park is GREN: Ana’s right hand person–loyal, fierce, and ruthless when they have to be.
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We hear the TEDDY BOMBER (played by Rodney Cook) makes an appearance. Best to steer clear of him and his itchy t̶r̶i̶g̶g̶e̶r̶ detonator finger.
