Keanu to Play Spike

[dreadpiraterose]

Nooooooooo! (cries)

http://conventionfans.today.com/2009/01/16/news-blurb-keanu-to-be-in-cowboy-bebop-noooo/

[Gjallarhorn]

Actually, while I don't think he's a good actor, I think he's a very good fit for the role.

Two things:

1. Given an afro, he'd bare a good resemblance to Spike. He has the narrow eyes, hard jaw, a bit of a long nose, and he's not too bulky.

2. His monotone voice, and that weird little laugh thing he does in a lot of movies(see: The Matrix, Constantine) are very similar to spike. Remember, more often than not, Spike speaks in a fairly calm, sullen voice, which is kind of Keanu Reeves' forte. The only thing I can see a possible issue with is when Spike raises his voice(ex: shouting at Jet). Keanu comes across as naturally cocky in the way he acts, which is again, a perfect fit for Spike.


So far, I have no complaints.

[Memento Mori]

I'm fine with it.

I don't like him, but it doesn't sound that bad.

[Capernicus]

I'm so ready for it.

[Your Father]

Actually, while I don't think he's a good actor, I think he's a very good fit for the role.

Two things:

1. Given an afro, he'd bare a good resemblance to Spike. He has the narrow eyes, hard jaw, a bit of a long nose, and he's not too bulky.

2. His monotone voice, and that weird little laugh thing he does in a lot of movies(see: The Matrix, Constantine) are very similar to spike. Remember, more often than not, Spike speaks in a fairly calm, sullen voice, which is kind of Keanu Reeves' forte. The only thing I can see a possible issue with is when Spike raises his voice(ex: shouting at Jet). Keanu comes across as naturally cocky in the way he acts, which is again, a perfect fit for Spike.


So far, I have no complaints.

It takes more than looking like someone to play a part. It takes acting skills, which he has hardly any. He usually gets his part to play the rugged guy. The only part I found okay that he's done is Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure.

If we wanted to see his bad acting career again let's rent The Devil's Advocate and have a movie night.

[Gjallarhorn]

Well, we have less reason to fret. Sunrise, CB's production company, and Shinichiro Watanabe, CB's original director, as well as a lot of CB staff will be involved with 20th Century Fox's live action film. They will be acting as production consultants, so we can be sure that it will be at least decently similar to the anime, and not some long shot story with the same title (see: Dragonball Evolution).

Source (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-01-15/live-action-cowboy-bebop-proposal-officially-announced).

[Akito0o]

NOOOOOOOOOOO! Oh man. Spikes voices is always calm, but for the many parts where he is beat or needs to freak out Keanu would have to gather every bit of acting he has in there in and act, one reason why alot of people really like Cowboy bebop is because of spike, he is such a lovable character. I can't see Keanu makeing spike lovable. I dont really see keanu as cocky more depressed and unable to get excited over anything.

[Gjallarhorn]

More news.

The story for the movie will not be "original" (see: Dragonball Evolution). It will be based mostly around the Red Eye story from the first episode.

I think this is a huge reliever for anyone worried about it ending up like DBE.

The writers are going to meet with the original CBB director, Shinichiro Watanabe in coming weeks to have him read over the screenplay, make necessary corrections, discuss more about the story and characters how he envisioned them, and to discuss which director he thinks is most adequate to direct the live-action film. They'll also be meeting with the other CBB staff and producers shortly after for more input.

It seems like they really want to make it true to the anime.

[Capernicus]

Well thank god for that. Let's hope it turns many people on to the wonders of anime.

[Gizoku]

I'm fine with it.

I don't like him, but it doesn't sound that bad.
-jumps in boat-

[sataned]

yup... hes going to play spike maybe... it was going to be me or him but i let him have it ;D since i liked the bill and ted movies... lololol we'll see how he does when the movie comes out... till then we can all look foward to some more crappy movies with crappy scripts but tons of action to make up for it based on video games and comics ;D

[daft]

I guess Keanu Reeves had somewhat of a Spike resemblance in the movie Constantine (that weird laugh that Xero mentioned, the suit, tie, and excessive smoking). I'm just hoping Keanu brings that charm and coolness that is Spike Spiegel.

[Orta Honehone]

Ugh...i cant stand Keanu...I dont care how much he looks or talks like Spike, nothing can save this movie from his terrible acting - so sad...

[Teddie]

Idk, Keanu Reeves doesn't really seem like the part to me.
He seems rather stiff in a lot of movies while Spike is a outgoing adventureous kinda guy. But I can be wrong.

[Datenshi]

If Keanu Reeves has watched the original anime, I can actually concede that he might be able to pull it off.

[Rein*]

im not sure i'm ready but go ahead

[loveyourfate]

Sorry, but that looks good. He seems perfect for the part, to me. Everyone's complaing, but who else would you give the part to? I don't see many people fit for the part... I think he's one of the best options to play Spike.

I'm more interested in who's going to play Ed though (my favourite ;) ).That's going to have to be some crazy actor...

[blackrosetwilight]

well I hope he wont be dull like he does in most of his other movies beside that I think he'll be fine

[Crystal Rain]

wow ummmmmmmm im speechless

[Videlreyes]

I can't wait to see this movie! ^_^ mostly everyone ales is always worried about a new live action anime moive not being made in Japan, but not me. i get so excited when this stuff happens. if you don't have a good feeling about a movie then don't watch it. but as for me, i would watch it no matter who made it, as long as it has cool affects. I LOVE ACTION MOVIES!!!! ^_^

[tsujigiri15]

If Keanu Reeves has watched the original anime, I can actually concede that he might be able to pull it off.

I agree; the guy can act after all. As to the different moods - well he pulled off the 'cop in a tight corner' bit well in speed, and as for humour, did you ever watch Bill and Ted?? My only concern is that he's a bit old now - may not have the youthful, well, vigour needed for spike on occasion.

This has the potential to be a great movie, but it could go either way; look at all the comic book movies in recent years. Mixed in with the likes of 'daredevil' and 'superman returns' you have your 'spider man 2's' and dark knights. A big part of that will be spike... heres hoping

[AF SUCKS]

This is a travesty.

The need for Hollywood to rape everything people cherish for the sake of making a buck is outrageous.

Didn't they learn anything with the total failure of Speed Racer?

Keanu Reeves is the absolute worst choice to play Spike. Even thought this idea is in the works, there's no guarantee that it will be picked up for production and Keanu has only "expressed an interest" in playing the part. It certainly isn't his to take.

Two things that need to happen in this case:

1. The idea needs to be canned and no movie made. The absolute BEST possiblity.

2. The film gets green lighted and the casting agents opt to reject Keanu in lieu of selecting an actor with ACTUAL martial arts ability.

My fear, they green light the film, reject Keanu for Jason Straiham.

[Gjallarhorn]

This is a travesty.

The need for Hollywood to rape everything people cherish for the sake of making a buck is outrageous.

Didn't they learn anything with the total failure of Speed Racer?

Keanu Reeves is the absolute worst choice to play Spike. Even thought this idea is in the works, there's no guarantee that it will be picked up for production and Keanu has only "expressed an interest" in playing the part. It certainly isn't his to take.

Two things that need to happen in this case:

1. The idea needs to be canned and no movie made. The absolute BEST possiblity.

2. The film gets green lighted and the casting agents opt to reject Keanu in lieu of selecting an actor with ACTUAL martial arts ability.

My fear, they green light the film, reject Keanu for Jason Straiham.

The thing is, with movies being based on Speed Racer and Dragonball, the original staff of the anime wasn't involved.

The Cowboy Bebop film has the original script writers and voiceactors providing assistance and tips, as well as Shinichiro Watanabe, the director of the anime, overseeing the project as a whole.

[Ollie]

The thing is, with movies being based on Speed Racer and Dragonball, the original staff of the anime wasn't involved.

The Cowboy Bebop film has the original script writers and voiceactors providing assistance and tips, as well as Shinichiro Watanabe, the director of the anime, overseeing the project as a whole.
On top of that, all films like this need a major actor. Believe it or not, the reason why those famous faces get paid so much is that more people are likely to see it if they recognize someone in there (which is why Jessy McCartney gets to play Zuko in the Avatar movie, despite him being chosen for the role making no real sense). That aside, why would they have to choose an actor who knows martial arts? Body doubles exist for a reason.

[Gjallarhorn]

On top of that, all films like this need a major actor. Believe it or not, the reason why those famous faces get paid so much is that more people are likely to see it if they recognize someone in there (which is why Jessy McCartney gets to play Zuko in the Avatar movie, despite him being chosen for the role making no real sense). That aside, why would they have to choose an actor who knows martial arts? Body doubles exist for a reason.

Because deep down inside, we all want to be Bruce Lee.

[AF SUCKS]

The thing is, with movies being based on Speed Racer and Dragonball, the original staff of the anime wasn't involved.

The Cowboy Bebop film has the original script writers and voiceactors providing assistance and tips, as well as Shinichiro Watanabe, the director of the anime, overseeing the project as a whole.
You know, Stephen King was on as a technical director for Stanley Kubrick during the shoot for the Shining.

The first time King doubted Kubrick about essentially how his story was being changed Kubrick had him banned from the set.

Makes you wonder how they'll treat Wantanabe the first time he disagrees with a rewrite.

[Amarhyllis]

I might be willing to give this a try...

I mean, it can't be as bad as that Dragonball Evolution...with that...thing...Goku turns into...

Or that rumor about Will Smith trying to get his hands on Old Boy...

I mean, it's not as bad as that. I can sleep tonight.

[Akagami no Shankusu]

..., but who else would you give the part to?...

http://www.animeforum.com/image/19976549dbf0c4f2f1e.jpg

Although I would expect better acting than my vision above, and a better costume, makeup artist crew.

[blackrosetwilight]

http://www.animeforum.com/image/19976549dbf0c4f2f1e.jpg

Although I would expect better acting than my vision above, and a better costume, makeup artist crew.
Thats hot!!!

[arnold44]

wont her make an okay Spike? I mean his eyes kinda match....I agree that Keanu shouldnt be spike...he makes an okay constantine..yknow the attitude :)

[Teddy2116]

OMG NOOOOO
I will not accept this
Keanu as Spike
NEVER!!!!!!!!!!!
/core dump

[Yugure's Goddess]

I don't see what everyone is freaking out about. For starters, the decision is by no means final, and really. Keanu Reeves is not THAT bad of an actor. You guys say that he is stiff, and I agree to an extent, but I think I'm going to argue that many of the roles he has played were characters that seemed to require a certain stiffness, anyway. Sure he's not perfect, but I respect him, in that, he seems to put everything he has into his acting career, and even if he's as AWFUL as you guys make him out to be, from what I've seen of him, he gives it his all.

I'm of no particularly large objection to any of it, so far.

love
dani
dude

[Ryuuzaki HD]

i say scrap the live action and make another series or ANIME movie.

[kyoichi]

hmm. reaves.......well i guess it kinda fits but i still dont think keanu can pull off spikes level of awsome. i wonder who could play ed well?

i also agree with Ryuuzaki HD. live action always sucks. just look at the dragonball movie. *shudders*

[tsujigiri15]

i say scrap the live action and make another series or ANIME movie.

Would be nice wouldnt it? But I sincerely doubt thatll happen - I mean for all that cowboy bebop is well known - a live action movie has more mass market appeal. I still reckon it could work you know. I mean - batman begins/dark knight are comic book movies, and look how awesome they are. But then there was 'batman forever/and robin' in the 90's... Ooh, the agony of waiting

[kyoichi]

Would be nice wouldnt it? But I sincerely doubt thatll happen - I mean for all that cowboy bebop is well known - a live action movie has more mass market appeal. I still reckon it could work you know. I mean - batman begins/dark knight are comic book movies, and look how awesome they are. But then there was 'batman forever/and robin' in the 90's... Ooh, the agony of waiting
hmmm. you've got a point about batman. and btw i've seen bill and ted and that was when reaves was still alive inside. have you seen him in the day the earth stood still? he basiclly played himself, an emotionless alien who is, for some reason, really annoying. but if he really tries he might pull it off. as for wether it should be a anime or live action movie, im still for anime movie, for the hardcore fans. for everyone else i'd go with live action.

[Alma]

:)

I've just found about this today. not just about Keanu, but about movie (and I call myself fan of bebop:( )

I don't mind keanu at all. I am fan of his as well :laugh: of his looks, of course, not "acting" :laugh:

will be interesting to see :)

[LeRolls]

Keanu doesn't seem right for the role. Maybe someone like Ryan Reynolds.

[CGFerreira]

i say scrap the live action and make another series or ANIME movie.

Seriously

I would love to see an animated Bebop movie which follows Spike while he was in the Red Dragons.

[Saint Seiya]

http://images.eonline.com/eol_images/Entire_Site/20090115/425.bebop.reeves.lr.011508.jpg

my god, give him an afro/spikey style and hes perfect, just look at him

[Gjallarhorn]

http://images.eonline.com/eol_images/Entire_Site/20090115/425.bebop.reeves.lr.011508.jpg

my god, give him an afro/spikey style and hes perfect, just look at him

I'm glad someone else finally notices that.

I can think of one or two actors I'd like to see play the role a bit more than Reeves, but for this particular role he's an excellent choice.

[aishiteru333]

Not another live action!!!
But seriously, he would be good. I don't mind it.

[Concrete]

Ugh, way to bring down a near perfect anime.

[Mrs_Kitsune]

I'm not a fan of ol' Canoe, but I do agree with the fact that he could COSPLAY as Spike real well.

Acting like him? Well, mebbe if the Steve Blum dubbed over Keanu in post-production....

[SOS RaShayRitto]

ha! oh my....this should, at the least, be a hilarious roller coaster ride of announcements and speculation until the project is dumped, leaving many sad and dejected film professionals in its wake

i'm not a bebop fan but i still wouldnt wish this kind of stuff on any distinguished series

[Zodiac_Hart]

I just died a little inside...

[shroobs]

I think he'll be decent, sure not perfect.. But give the guy a chance? =x

[Genetic-Infection]

I personally don't care much for Keanu. Buuuuuuut-- The personalities of him and Spike match, so I'm happy with the choice thus far.

[Serpentarius]

this is good news to me. definitely a good fit

[Eliana Levanos]

I'm glad someone else finally notices that.
I also see it.

And based on everything else Xero's said, I can't wait. Keanu seems to be a fit choice for Spike, and I'm glad to hear that the original CBB staff and director will be helping out. At least we know it'll be relatively close to the anime.

[shroobs]

http://www.cartoonleap.com/wp-content/uploads/keanu_spiegel.jpg


Keanu Reeves will indeed by leading the cast of the upcoming live-action Cowboy Bebop.

Reeves has been tapped for the role of Spike Spiegel, a bounty hunter who travels through space in the year 2071. Cowboy Bebop, which follows a group of bounty hunters traveling on their spaceship, the Bebop.

The anime’s production team at Sunrise Inc. will be closely involved with the film. Sunrise’s Kenji Uchida and Shinichiro Watanabe and series writer Keiko Nobumoto will be associate producers, while series producer Masahiko Minami will be a production consultant.

[Neo-Eva]

Glad to see sunrise is involved and if Watanabe and Nobumoto are involved the movie shouldn't suck hardcore like dragonball did.

[greenbeast17]

I'm pretty excited about this - I really hope it doesn't suck balls

[Shwayze]

Eh.... Not too excited about hearing Keanu playing Spike, he might be able to pull it off. But Im looking forward to the film!

[Teddy2116]

ok now that we know for sure that Keanu is playing spike, what about the other characters

[Monkey Fury]

ok now that we know for sure that Keanu is playing spike, what about the other characters
No other news about that. I'm still waiting patientky for them to reveal who will play Faye Valentine.

[Robin Sena]

Hope it's not that bloody pig, Cameron Diaz.

[Shwayze]

Hope it's not that bloody pig, Cameron Diaz.

I doubt she will.

[Neo-Eva]

I wouldn't mind Mila Kunis playing Faye. *drool*

[sammybaker]

Keanu might just be able to pull it off but I curious how his hair might be to resemble the Spike we know and love! If he does wear a suit I might just mistake him for John COnstantine.