Akira is a 1988 Japanese animated science fiction film directed by Katsuhiro Otomo. (Photo : TMS Entertainment)
Latest reports claimed that "The Fast and the Furious" director, Justin Lin, is in early talks to direct the upcoming live-action adaptation of Katsuhiro Otomo's "Akira." Spanish film director-producer Jaume Collet-Serra was previously attached to direct the film, but Warner Bros. suddenly pulled the plug in 2011 due to reported budget and casting concerns.
Now, rumor has it that Warner Bros. reportedly wants director Lin to take the reins. The rumor started when the Meet the Movie Press host Jeff Sneider noted that the much-awaited live-action film reportedly no longer has a cast attached. However, it reportedly does have a new script, with Leonardo DiCaprio's Appian Way Productions still on board to produce.
Sneider, one of Variety's former film correspondent, suggests that the studio might be willing to re-arrange plans, considering that Lin has already signed to direct "Space Jam 2." Sneider then claimed that Warner Bros. is reportedly targeting Lin to direct "Akira."
In 2002, talks that Warner Bros. has acquired the rights to make an American live-action film of "Akira" initially surfaced. The much-awaited title has been in development hell throughout recent years, with various filmmakers and actors attached to the much-awaited project.
Set in a post-apocalyptic Neo-Tokyo, "Akira" follows a teenager biker, Tetsuo Shima, who have mysterious psychic power. The leader of the biker gang, Shotaro Kaneda, Japan's Self-Defense Forces' Colonel Shikishima, resistance terrorist named Kei and a trio of Espers, joined forces together to prevent Tetsuo from discharged the detained psychic, Akira.
To date, neither party has commented on the reports. Meanwhile, the manga's original creator beforehand uncovered that the science-fiction classic could be heading to the small screen. Otomo astounded fans across the world by revealing that an anime TV series of "Akira" is in the works, Animation For Adults reported.
Speaking at a press conference during the 43rd Angoulême International Comics Festival, Otomo hinted that a TV series was being considered, but stressed that he could not say anything more yet. However, the publication notes that Otomo responded to an inquiry posed in a French dialect, stating that there may be some space for misinterpretation.
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