‘Akira’ is a property that was originally interpreted in manga by Katsuhiro Otomo, who then went on in 1998 to direct the anime adaption of the manga. The story follows Shōtarō Kaneda, a leader of a local biker gang whose childhood friend, Tetsuo Shima, acquires telekinetic abilities after a motorcycle accident, eventually threatening an entire military complex amidst chaos and rebellion in the futuristic metropolis of Neo-Tokyo.
It has been discussed before that Taika Waititi would direct the live-adaption of ‘Akira’ for Warner Bros. Taika Waititi is known for his directing work on ‘What We Do In The Shadows’, ‘Hunt For The Wilderpeople’, ‘Thor: Ragnarok’, he will also direct a episode of ‘The Mandalorian’ and Fox Searchlight’s ‘Jojo Rabbit’ which has just been announced to release theatrically on October 19th (I should add I have heard Jojo Rabbit is very good and that the film is one of Taika’s best films. This could mean that the film will recieve a push from Fox and Disney during awards season).
However, Taika Waititi has finally got his ‘Akira’ adaption off the ground with plans to begin filming on July 15th in Los Angeles. Michael Golamco (‘Always Be My Maybe’) will also co-write the screenplay with Taika Waititi.
Warner Bros is now actively casting for the film.
UPDATE: The cinematographer, production designer and costume designer have been hired for the film. Production has been pushed back to August 19th.
