Deadline reports that Netflix has suspended filming its upcoming live-action series Cowboy Bebop after John Cho suffered an on-set injury.
The Searching star reportedly sustained a knee injury whilst filming the show in New Zealand. Described as a “freak accident”, the incident occurred on the final take of a well-rehearsed routine.
Cho, who plays bounty hunter Spike Spiegel in the Japanese anime remake, has flown back to Los Angeles for extensive rehabilitation.
Production will be shutdown for at least seven to nine months with filming schedules to be determined following Cho’s prognosis.
“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 also posted a message on Instagram regarding the injury, quoting the Bruce Lee. “Water can flow or it can crash.” – Bruce Lee. Thanks for all the well wishes everyone. Gonna be back and flowing in no time!” Cho wrote.
Originally released in 1998, Shinichirō Watanabe and Keiko Nobumoto’s 26-episode anime series is praised for its deep plot and stylistic animation.
Set in the year 2071, the series follows the lives of a bounty hunter crew in their spaceship ‘Bebop’. Themes include loneliness and escaping the past. Cho’s character is a former hitman of the criminal Red Dragon Syndicate and part of the original crew.
Mustafa Shakir will play Spike’s partner Jet Black, Danielle Pineda will play con artist Faye Valentine and Alex Hassell will play hitman Vicious.
Earlier this month, Netflix released a behind the scenes clip of the series online.
