According to reports, Warners is in talks with Allen and Albert Hughes, noted for the graphic novel adaptation "From Hell", to direct a live action version of "Akira", adapting Katsuhiro Otomo’s 6-volume graphic novel.
The original black and white "Akira" manga, set in a post-apocalyptic 'Neo-Tokyo', was first published in English by Marvel Comics for their 1988 "Epic" imprint, exploring themes of social isolation, corruption and power.
"Akira" follows 'Shōtarō Kaneda', a teen delinquent and leader of the 'Capsules' motorcycle gang. Kaneda is best friends with 'Tetsuo', a fellow biker, but their friendship is shattered after Tetsuo gains, then abuses his 'psychic powers'.
'Akira', the character for whom the story is named, has godlike, psychic powers, responsible for the destruction of Tokyo and the beginning of World War III. Following that war, Akira was placed in a cryogenic chamber, near the 'Heart of Destruction' and the future site of the Neo-Tokyo Olympic Games.
Andrew Lazar will produce "Akira" with Appian Way’s Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Davisson Killoran. Screenplay is by Mark Fergus, Hawk Ostby and Gary Whitta.
Warners and Legendary Pictures acquired "Akira" in 2008 from Japanese manga publisher Kodansha, with the intention of developing 2 motion pictures from the source material.
Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Akira"...
The original black and white "Akira" manga, set in a post-apocalyptic 'Neo-Tokyo', was first published in English by Marvel Comics for their 1988 "Epic" imprint, exploring themes of social isolation, corruption and power.
"Akira" follows 'Shōtarō Kaneda', a teen delinquent and leader of the 'Capsules' motorcycle gang. Kaneda is best friends with 'Tetsuo', a fellow biker, but their friendship is shattered after Tetsuo gains, then abuses his 'psychic powers'.'Akira', the character for whom the story is named, has godlike, psychic powers, responsible for the destruction of Tokyo and the beginning of World War III. Following that war, Akira was placed in a cryogenic chamber, near the 'Heart of Destruction' and the future site of the Neo-Tokyo Olympic Games.
Andrew Lazar will produce "Akira" with Appian Way’s Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Davisson Killoran. Screenplay is by Mark Fergus, Hawk Ostby and Gary Whitta.Warners and Legendary Pictures acquired "Akira" in 2008 from Japanese manga publisher Kodansha, with the intention of developing 2 motion pictures from the source material.
Click the images to enlarge and Sneak Peek "Akira"...
