Earlier this month, we reported that Akira, a visceral, mind-bending anime about futuristic Japanese motorcycle thugs is being remade as a live-action American film. Unfortunately, it’ll be directed by the guy who helmed Paris Hilton’s House of Wax and will star Tron: Legacy‘s Garrett Hedlund as Kaneda (a 15-year-old Asian boy in the original). Now, we can add Twilight‘s Kristen Stewart to the list, as she’s been offered the role of Kei, Kaneda’s love interest. Oh, great.

Continue Reading

Oh, how the mighty have fallen.  The American remake of Akira, the 1988, mind-bendingly crazed/ brilliant Japanese anime film, has gone from being a two-film, $230 million adaptation directed by the Hughes brothers and starring Brad Pitt and Keanu Reeves to being busted down by Warner Bros. to a $90 million single film directed by the guy who made the Paris Hilton-starring House of Wax and Liam Neeson’s Unknown.  And today, it was announced that Garrett Hedlund (a.k.a. the guy who played Jeff Bridges’ kid in Tron: Legacy), will play the lead role of Kaneda.  Which totally makes sense, you guys, seeing as how Hedlund is a 27 year old white man and Kaneda is a 15 year old Asian boy.

Continue Reading

Good news for fans of mediocre remakes of foreign works of art all in a desperate bid for increasing the profit margin of a corporately-owned movie studio—it looks like the American remake of the anime Akira is now back in development, but… there have been a few changes.

Continue Reading

Anime fans, begin thy frothing at the mouth—casting has officially begun for the live action version of the 1988 anime classic Akira, which in turn was based upon a six-volume graphic novel.  And just be glad that, unlike previous rumors to the contrary, Keanu Reeves is no longer involved.

Continue Reading

It’s no secret that Warner Bros is producing a live action adaptation of the animated feature Akira. We already knew it was in development and that Albert Hughes would direct, but the actual script has always been up in the air — until now. According to Variety, Steve Kloves has been tapped to pen the Akira screenplay.

Continue Reading

Do you remember back in November when there were rumors about Zac Efron starring in the Akira movie? Well, now there’s news that another actor has dibs on a primary role in the film. According to a report from JustJared, Oscar nominee James Franco is in talks to star. For some of you this could be considered a good and a bad thing. It’s great because the film might be out of Efron’s orbit, but bad because Franco doesn’t exactly fit in with the Akira world.

Continue Reading

Last week, a lot and we mean a LOT of fans of the popular Japanese anime Akira were up in arms about the possibility of Zac Efron appearing in the live action adaptation of the property. According to a report from Bloody Disgusting, he’s not the only one circling a role in the Warner Bros movie. Oscar winner Morgan Freeman might slip into the shoes of the infamous Colonel for the film.

Continue Reading

We’re all for actors stepping outside the box and showing range but this new casting rumor might be pushing it. According to /Film, they’ve heard that former Disney star Zac Efron is up for the lead role in the live action version of the highly praised manga Akira. Yes, you read that right AKIRA!

Continue Reading

The directing duo, The Hughes Brothers have decided to move away from their post apocalyptic Western, The Book of Eli to tackle a more legendary property. According to Deadline Hollywood, Akira will be their next theatrical conquest as the directors are in talks with Warner Bros to bring the popular anime to the big screen.

Continue Reading