Akira’s Best Live-Action Adaptation: 13-Year-Old ‘Chronicle’

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The movie “Akira” is often considered one of the most impactful films ever made, and it certainly demonstrates its superhero status. Despite not having a live-action adaptation yet, numerous attempts have been made to bring it to life. Since the 1988 release of “Akira”, action and fantasy movies have significantly evolved, with filmmakers worldwide drawing inspiration from this animated masterpiece, not just for its storyline but also for its influence in the genre as a whole.

Akira witnesses Shotaro Kaneda gaining extraordinary abilities following a motorcycle crash, which sets the stage for various deep themes in the movie. It’s questionable whether a live-action version of this tale would succeed, given that most Hollywood anime adaptations fall short compared to their source material. Akira was rich and thought-provoking, and a faithful adaptation could struggle to preserve these qualities. However, 2012’s Chronicle might have come close.

Chronicle Is An Original Superhero Movie Heavily Influenced By Akira

Akira’s Fingerprints Are All Over Chronicle

In a possible reinterpretation, Akira’s live-action portrayal might have already materialized through “Chronicle,” the American film directed by Josh Trank. The character played by Dane DeHaan, Andrew, is depicted as a troubled teenage superhero grappling with new telekinetic powers, which mirrors Kaneda’s struggle in Akira.

The film shares comparable themes and generates a chilling suspense, blending gripping actions with an impactful narrative. While Chronicle may not follow the typical superhero genre, it still resonates with the common elements as seen in Akira.

Chronicle Might Be The Closest Thing To Live-Action Akira We’ll Ever Get

The Akira Movie Has Been In Development Hell For Decades

As a passionate movie critic, I can’t help but express my intrigue towards Taika Waititi’s live-action take on the iconic anime masterpiece, Akira. Following its stunning debut in 1988, numerous adaptation plans have surfaced, yet none have stirred as much anticipation as this one. Given Akira’s status as one of the most renowned anime films ever created and arguably the most influential, it’s tempting to think that an adaptation is a logical next step. However, considering the untouched power and impact Akira currently holds, perhaps its legacy is best preserved in its original form.

A significant number of “Akira” enthusiasts might actually favor keeping the anime untouched. Regardless, Taika Waititi’s thought-provoking suggestion – adapting the manga instead of the anime – piques curiosity. Producing a live-action “Akira” film presents numerous challenges, including mastering the complex body horror transformations, among others. Unfortunately, Waititi’s project remains in development limbo. It’s possible that “Chronicle” serves as the closest approximation to a live-action “Akira” movie or television series we will ever witness.

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2025-04-19 23:40