John Cho Injured on Set of Netflix’s Cowboy Bebop, Production Put on Hold
A freak injury has thrown a wrench into Netflix‘s planned live-action take on Cowboy Bebop.
Star John Cho suffered a serious knee injury on the New Zealand set of the upcoming series, our sister site Deadline reports, and production will shut down for between seven and nine months while he recovers. The injury is described as a “freak accident” and is said to have occurred during the last take of a routine and well-rehearsed scene.
“Our thoughts are with John, and he has our complete support as he recuperates from this injury,” a Netflix spokesperson said in a statement.
Cho stars as intergalactic bounty hunter Spike Siegel, who leads a ragtag crew across the cosmos as they search for the solar system’s most dangerous criminals. The cast also includes Mustafa Shakir (Marvel’s Luke Cage), Daniella Pineda (The Detour) and Elena Satine (Revenge). The original Cowboy Bebop, an acclaimed Japanese anime series, began airing in the U.S. on Adult Swim back in 2001 and introduced many American viewers to the world of anime.
Netflix handed a 10-episode series order to a live-action remake of Cowboy Bebop last year, with Cho signing on to play the lead role in April. Production on the series began just last week.
This early on I’m surprized they’re not recasting. I also wonder if they were using a wig or if he is stuck with an afro during his recovery?
I feel like a recast due to a freak accident on the set of their show would be followed by a serious lawsuit.
I don’t think it would, as it would be force majeure. They might have to pay Cho anyway and be able to recast. But since they are not committed to a specific date like, say, network TV, it would come off pretty heartless and probably hurt the show. Also, they might really be invested in Cho as the star, since he’s somewhat of a name and the project might hinge on him. Like The Rookie, with Nathan Fillion. Or Santa Clarita Diet and Drew Barrymore.
He would say “Cho me the money!”
Hmmm good point Derek. Hadn’t thought about them paying his salary for the production and recasting.
Netflix has so many shows in production, they probably figured they could wait. The real problem is the options on the cast and production crew. They are all suddenly out of work.
They can afford to take an extra month or two if they have to. I don’t think they’ve set a release date yet. They could take another 52 years if they have to.
It’s been delayed 7-9 months and the crew can’t wait that long for money.
Spiegel, not Siegel!! :)
Thought he was too old for the role . . . They better keep that corgi safe!