Big Akira Live-Action Update Revealed by Producer!

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Remarkably, it’s been nearly a quarter of a century since talks for a live-action version of the iconic 1988 movie Akira have lingered in development limbo. Although updates on the eagerly awaited anime adaptation have been scarce, that could soon change as Andrew Lazar, an Academy Award nominee, hints at exciting and imminent news.

Since its announcement in 2002, the new adaptation of Akira has been under various filmmakers’ consideration, with Taika Waititi (winner of an Oscar and director of Thor: Ragnarok) being the latest. Now, Lazar, famous for movies like American Sniper and this month’s action flick G20, has hinted that he expects some significant updates on the project “within the next few months.” This information was shared through Johan Albrechtsen of Moovy TV.

“So, I think you can expect an update in the next couple of months.”

Akira continues to be one of the most acclaimed achievements in animation history and is widely admired as an exemplary piece of modern Japanese animation. It was directed by Katsuhiro Otomo, produced by Ryōhei Suzuki and Shunzō Katō, and written by Otomo and Izo Hashimoto. The film is adapted from Otomo’s 1982 manga with the same title. This futuristic tale unfolds in the post-apocalyptic city of Neo-Tokyo, where biker Kaneda encounters numerous antisocial elements as he attempts to aid his friend Tetsuo, a young boy who has been exposed to a mysterious energy source and gains telekinetic abilities. These powers thrust him into the heart of a conflict that could potentially bring about the end of the world.

The film has significantly impacted many contemporary science fiction productions from Hollywood, such as “The Matrix,” “Dark City,” “Chronicle,” “Looper,” and “Inception.” It’s astonishing that a live-action adaptation hasn’t been made yet. However, whether it should or not is still up for discussion.

Will the ‘Akira’ Live-Action Movie Ever Actually Happen?

For several years, the task of bringing the live-action version of “Akira” to life has been circulated among various filmmakers, such as Stephen Norrington, Jaume Collet-Serra, and Justin Lin, but eventually found its way to the desk of Taika Waititi, director of “Jojo Rabbit.” Hollywood heavyweight Leonardo DiCaprio is set to produce, with Waititi, Michael Golamco, and Charles Yu collaborating on the script. Progress seemed promising, yet when Waititi returned to the Marvel Cinematic Universe for “Thor: Love and Thunder,” the production of “Akira” was postponed once more.

Despite passing many years, Waititi remains determined to bring the movie to life, regardless of how long it takes. However, following the critical disappointment of Thor: Love and Thunder (now one of the MCU’s lowest-rated films), the studio might turn its attention elsewhere once more. Contrary to his previous statements about not abandoning his vision for Akira, Waititi has hinted that while he intends to stay involved, it may no longer be him directing the project.

In 2020, the filmmaker expressed uncertainty about when the project would be realized, stating it might happen eventually but wasn’t sure if he’d be involved. Production for “Akira,” initially set to start filming in California in July 2019 and scheduled for release on May 21, 2021, was postponed due to delays that interfered with the fixed “Thor” dates. As a result, “Akira” has been moved back two years from its original schedule. Warner Bros., initially optimistic about the project’s progression, had high hopes for it taking off. However, development on “Akira” has been paused indefinitely. Fingers crossed for some promising updates expected soon!

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2025-04-14 16:31