‘Cowboy Bebop’: Netflix Highlights Eden Perkins as Radical Ed in New Video Feature
Netflix’s live-action Cowboy Bebop debuted on Nov. 19, answering one of fans’ biggest questions about the series: would it feature beloved anime character Radical Edward? Ed travels the galaxy with the Bebop crew in the original Cowboy Bebop, using her hacking skills to help with their bounty hunting. Although viewers get a glimpse of that in Netflix’s adaptation, the show introduces the character in a rather unexpected way. Perhaps that’s why streamer is giving viewers more screen time with Ed in a new video featuring Eden Perkins, the actor who plays her.
[Warning: This article contains spoilers for the first season of Netflix’s live-action Cowboy Bebop.]
Radical Ed only has 1 scene in Netflix’s ‘Cowboy Bebop’
Despite Ed’s prominence in the original Cowboy Bebop, the Netflix adaptation mostly leaves the character out of its first-season adventures. Jet Back (Mustafa Shakir) name-drops the hacker at one point during the outing, but viewers don’t actually meet Ed until the very last episode. Even then, Ed doesn’t play a major role in the gang’s showdown with Vicious (Alex Hassell).
Of course, the series seems to be going for a second season, and Ed’s brief moments on-screen are likely meant to leave fans wanting more. On that front, the reactions have been mixed — some viewers feel eager to find out what happens next, while others are wondering why the live-action show didn’t stick to its anime roots.
Those looking for more of Ed will be pleased to know that Netflix is giving the character a formal introduction. The streamer released a video highlighting newcomer Eden Perkins, who discussed their experience playing the Bebop’s resident hacker.
Netflix introduces Eden Perkins in YouTube feature
Following the mystery surrounding Ed’s involvement in the new Cowboy Bebop, Netflix released a featurette spotlighting the character and the actor who plays her. Newcomer Eden Perkins embraced their first interview with an enthusiasm fitting of the role. And Perkins underscored Ed’s contagious energy in the three-minute clip:
“Ed is such an amazing character. She’s just so incredibly lively, and she just brings energy wherever she goes. Looking at all the scenes from the anime of Ed, she’s just so cool. She’s an amazing character, and I really relate to her, actually. It was just so, so incredibly exciting being cast as her.”
Kicking off one’s acting career with such an iconic role certainly is impressive, and Perkins recalled their first time stepping into Ed’s shoes with a fondness for the project and the anime it’s based on.
The ‘Cowboy Bebop’ star recalls stepping into Ed’s shoes for the 1st time
Although Ed only has one scene in the new Cowboy Bebop, Perkins had a blast during their one evening on set. The actor recalled the excitement they felt getting into costume, pointing to the wig as a highlight of playing the character.
“Getting into costume for the first time is so cool,” Perkins said. “I love the costume so much.”
Beyond the costume, Perkins raved about the atmosphere while filming, which was only enhanced by the sets:
“When I finally got to actually be on set, it was incredible. It was just one night of shooting. It was incredible. The sets are so, so cool. And at night, it’s a completely different atmosphere.”
The actor was also thrilled to film with John Cho, who plays Spike Spiegel in the live-action series. The two don’t exchange much dialogue during their moments with one another, but they seem to have hit it off behind the scenes. And Perkins will get to know the rest of the crew if the series gets renewed for a second outing.
In the meantime, fans can catch Perkins as Ed in the live-action Cowboy Bebop. All 10 episodes of the series are currently streaming on Netflix.
