Warner Bros. To Split Akira In Two And Leo DiCaprio is involved... Source: Variety
Despite most right-minded people yelling, ‘nooooooo! It can’t be done!’ or ‘Nooooooo! It shouldn’t be done!’ or even ‘Noooooo! It can’t, and shouldn’t be done!’, Warner Bros. is pressing ahead with plans to turn the anime classic, Akira – the manga film for those who can’t stand manga – into a live-action American film.
And, following the modern trend of Tintin, The Hobbit and the new Terminator movies, all of which have announced franchises before anyone’s even paid money to see the first movie, they’ve actually decided to turn it into two films.
The studio announced today that, under the auspices of Irish first-time director Ruairi Robinson – who was appointed last year – the live-action Akira will be based on Katsuhiro Otomo’s six-volume graphic novel, instead of his 1988 animated movie, with each movie comprising three parts.
The movies, which the filmmakers describe as Blade Runner meets City Of God (far more reassuring than, say, Blades Of Glory meets City Of Industry), have been relocated to the States as well, with the action taking place in “New Manhattan”, a vast conurbation that has risen from the ashes of New York, 31 years after it was destroyed in a nuclear attack.
The first movie is now being fast-tracked for a summer 2009 release, with scripts written by Gary Whitta.
There’s no casting as yet, but we’re intrigued to see that Leonardo DiCaprio’s production company, Appian Way, is on board, with Leo and Jennifer Davisson on producing duties, along with Andrew Lazar’s Mad Chance. Of course, DiCaprio’s involvement as producer doesn’t necessarily mean that he’ll be involved as an actor, especially given that he’s currently working on Scorsese’s Asheville. But there may also be no smoke without fire…
As for the movie(s) it(them)self(ves), we'd be the first to put the original Akira, and the graphic novel, on a big list of unfilmable properties. But we wish Robinson all the best - with Warner Bros. and a big sack of cash behind him, he's got a chance at least.
I've not read the comic but the anime is a spectacular work of genius that still stands up 20 years after it's release. It's not unfilmable with todays technology but it might cost a bomb! I would have loved to see someone like James Cameron attack it with all the new groundbreaking 3D stuff he's working on.
Rather than change the setting to America it would be nice if they had the balls to set in Neo Tokyo but use a mix of asian and western actors (with a western one one ... Read More
there's not much i can say really exept my mind connaot comprehend a live action AKIRA while it would be interesting if done properly the whole concept of the series and the fact that half the wesern world wouldnt get it, it's a seriously bad idea and lets face it you might as well just attach McG or W.S. Anderson as a further insult to this series of manga and its untouchable 1988 film counter-part ... Read More
L: cydonia
this is going to ruin it, they may aswell do a real life version of neon genesis evangelion and kill of the japanese animation genre all together!!!! Sorry to kill all your dreams, but they're already working on that.
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this is a no, no, no and no......
its not gonna work! can anyone remember the terrible verion of fist of the north star? the awful crying freeman? this is going to ruin it, they may aswell do a real life version of neon genesis evangelion and kill of the japanese animation genre all together!!!!
to be honest if there is a petition to buoycot this film i would gladly sign it! some things should never happen as it would ruin the ethos behind something truly special... this is so definately o... Read More
grrr, why touch what doesnt need doing, Akira is an awsome film, and works best as animation, not only that but they are moving to America, are we going to have to put up with shots of the American flag all through it, and cocky yanks making crass oneliners, not fucking interested ... Read More
I see 100% fail in the future of this project. First time director + First time screenwriter on a movie that is going to be really hard to get right...no chance mate.
Don't know anything about the director, but screenwriter Gary 'Gaz' Whitta used to review games and has been editor in chief of both US and UK versions of game mag PC Gamer. He was a good game reviewer but...Think about that. ... Read More
I see 100% fail in the future of this project. First time director + First time screenwriter on a movie that is going to be really hard to get right...no chance mate.
Don't know anything about the director, but screenwriter Gary 'Gaz' Whitta used to review games and has been editor in chief of both US and UK versions of game mag PC Gamer. He was a good game reviewer but...Think about that. ... Read More
The thought of them robbing Japan of great stories is already starting to make me think that there are no longer any great thinkers in Hollywood. Producers have the audacity to take a great work of art like Akira, and think that they can do a better job. All they see is the potential money this might make as it already has a huge fan base, making movies is a business and I can appreciate that we all have bills to pay but where's the passion for the art form? I will reserve judgement until I hear... Read More
