As the visionary behindCowboy Bebop’s legendary action-packed anime, Shinichiro Watanabe might seem like the last person to seek guidance on crafting unforgettable action sequences that stand out to the audience. However, for his latest project - the anime seriesLazarus- Watanabe’s quest for fresh fight choreography insights led to an unexpected outcome.
While fans ofCowboy Bebopmay easily recognize its influence onJohn Wick, a surprising revelation shows the inverse is also true:theJohn Wickfranchise has significantly influencedCowboy Bebop’s director, Shinichiro Watanabe. This influence extends beyond inspiration, as theJohn Wickteam has been tapped to choreograph action sequences forWatanabe’s upcomingLazarusseries.
John Wick’s Fight Scenes Are So Good, Watanabe Could Not Resist
John Wick Upgraded And Expanded The Style And Flair Of Cowboy Bebop’s Spike Speigel
In a recent interview withAnime News Network, Watanabe shared details about collaborating withJohn Wickdirector Chad Stahelski and theJohn Wickcreative team onLazarus. Announced last summer, the partnership’s specifics were scarce at the time. However, in the interview, Watanabe finally revealed some details about the team-up, including that his admiration for theJohn Wickfilms sparked the collaboration. Indeed, the mutual interest of the two creators in each other’s creative action sequences led them tojoin forces in bringingLazarusto life.
I’ve always held his John Wick film series in high regard. I watch them all the time. It’s not just how realistic his action looks, but how modern it feels. - Shinichiro Watanabe
Perhaps, believing the fight choreography that madeCowboy Bebopfamous might feel outdated for modern audiences, Watanabe approached Stahelski for advice on making the fight and action scenes inLazarusmore like those inJohn Wick. Expecting only a few tips due to Stahelski’s busy schedule, Watanabe was surprised when Stahelski offered to handle all the choreography for the series, including live-action fight sequences for animators to work from,completely free of charge.
John Wick’s Director Admits That Watanabe Knows His Way Around A Fight Scene
Lazarus' Action Scenes Will Be A Big Selling Point
Stahelski, who has often citedCowboy Bebopas an influence on his work, seemed humbled by Watanabe’s request for collaboration. For Stahelski, perhaps the opportunity to work alongside the legendary director was reward enough. Stahelski’s modern perspective is poised to elevateLazarus’s fight and action scenes. Meanwhile, with the action sequences in capable hands, Watanabe can focus on crafting a compelling narrative and character development. As such, their partnership withLazarusexemplifies how even accomplished creators can benefit from cross-pollination. It’s no wonderLazarusis one of the most anticipated anime releases of the coming year.
Interestingly, when asked what makes a good action scene, Watanabe chose to share Stahelski’s definition of a great fight scene. According to Stahelski, a prime example isthe iconic church fight between Spike and ViciousinCowboy BebopEpisode #5. Similar to some of the bestJohn Wickfight sequences, it embodies a contrast between “violence and serenity,” as a hallmark of “great action.” It seems that in seeking advice,Cowboy Bebop’s Watanabe didn’t have to look far — his own work already held the answer.
Source:Anime News Network
Lazarus
In 2052, humanity celebrates unprecedented peace, thanks to Hapuna—a miracle drug eradicating pain and illness. Three years later, its creator, Dr. Skinner, resurfaces with a grim revelation: Hapuna is a delayed toxin, and death looms for all who took it. With just 30 days to avert catastrophe, a global task force called Lazarus assembles to locate Skinner and develop a cure.
Cowboy Bebop
Cowboy Bebopis a Japanese neo-noir space Western anime series that originally aired from 1998 to 1999. The series follows the adventures of the bounty-hunting crew aboard the spaceship Bebop as they navigate the solar system in the year 2071. Renowned for its genre-blending narrative, complex characters, and jazz-influenced soundtrack,Cowboy Bebophas garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated global fanbase.
