Casting Bebop | Jeff Harris, August 8, 2008

Spike Spiegel: The most important role in the Cowboy Bebop film is that of the main character, Spike Spiegel. Spike's the definition of a modern guy. He's a bit aloof, low-maintenance, quick-witted, and very spirited. Spike's aware his life isn't going to last and that his past is eventually going to catch up with him, but that doesn't phase him a bit. He just wants better luck in life and a good hot meal. Memo to Mr. Stoff: Keanu Reeves is not Spike Spiegel. Is he a fine actor? Yes, but this is not the role for him. The role requires someone who is quick with a line, quick on his toes, and someone a little younger. Keanu Reeves is not Spike. Keanu Reeves is Vicious. He'd be better off playing the cold, ruthless, older, unemotional killer, the polar opposite of Spike Spiegel. If Mr. Stoff wants Keanu, who rarely plays the bad guy, as part of the Bebop film, consider the role of the villain. Worked for Heath Ledger, didn't it? Two actors I'd rather see in the part are Stuart Townsend or James Franco. Stuart Townsend isn't a name known to a lot of the readers here at TXB, but he has appeared in films like League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, and series like Night Stalker. He's this close to finding that one role to catapult him into superstardom, and the very talented actor would work wonders as Spike. Heck, maybe his significant other, Charlize Theron, could play Julia in a very limited capacity not unlike her brief appearances on the series. James Franco is probably better known as Harry Osborn to many readers of the site in the Spider-Man movies, a tragic figure full of hate but carries on as if nothing happened. But he has a comical side to boot that he rarely displays, as displayed in Pineapple Express. Franco is looking for a part that would just put him first and forefront as a lead character, and a brooding, quick-witted rebel like Spike would be a perfect star vehicle for him. He, or Townsend, would be the face of the franchise for better or worse, and the film would succeed or bomb depending on how audiences gravitate to Spike. Jet Black: A guy just as important as Spike is Jet Black. The owner of the Bebop, this former officer is now Spike's partner-in-crime, well, at least bounty hunting. Two guys that got the rough guy role and can actually emit authority if the role allows are Danny Trejo and Vin Diesel. If you want to go for the essence of the character, Danny Trejo's the guy you want to play Jet. For those unfamiliar with the name, he's that big Mexican guy with the blades in nearly every Robert Rodriguez film, including Desperado, Once Upon A Time in Mexico, and Machette. He's big and buff, plus, he could actually act. Yes, he's older than the character he's portraying, but Trejo could surprise audiences in this role, tough yet noble. If you want someone close to Jet's actual age, perhaps Vin Diesel could fill the role. He has played everything from a special agent to a brash street racer to a notorious criminal. The former Mark Vincent could easily play Jet Black in a career-defining role. Vin Diesel may not be on the top of anybody's list, but he could step in the role of Jet Black with ease. For your perusal, the ladies.