http://www.deadline.com/2011/03/akira-focuses-on-short-list-of-actors-after-getting-steve-kloves-rewrite/

'Akira' Focuses On Short List Of Actors After Getting Steve Kloves Rewrite
By MIKE FLEMING

EXCLUSIVE: The script for the Warner Bros/Legendary Pictures live action adaptation of anime artist Katsuhiro Otomo’s 6-volume graphic novel Akira has been sent to a short list of actors. The picture is finally taking shape for an August start, following the delivery of a rewrite by Steve Kloves that has director Albert Hughes and the studio brass excited. The story takes place in the rebuilt New Manhattan where a leader of a biker gang saves his friend from a medical experiment. There are two major roles, and I'm told that for Tetsuo, Robert Pattinson, Andrew Garfield and James McAvoy have been given the new script. For the role of Kaneda, the script has been given to Garrett Hedlund, Michael Fassbender, Chris Pine, Justin Timberlake and Joaquin Phoenix. The two leads are expected to come from that group of actors.

Andrew Lazar is producing with Appian Way’s Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Davisson Killoran. Akira has been one of Warner Bros' high priority projects since the studio with Legendary Pictures acquired it for a 7-figure sum 2 years ago from manga publisher Kodansha. The intention has been to make 2 films, each covering 3 books in the series. Akira was first adapted for the screen in 1988.


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http://omg.yahoo.com/news/keanu-reeves-may-star-in-live-action-akira-remake/62392

Keanu Reeves may star in live-action "Akira" remake
Reuters

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - "Akira," the English-language, live-action take on the landmark anime and manga property, is zeroing in on its star, and it just might be Keanu Reeves.

Warner Bros. has been having a tough time finding the two leads of the movie, to be directed by Albert Hughes. In the script, the action moves from Neon-Tokyo to New Manhattan, where a biker gang leader tries to save his best friend from a medical experiment that threatens to unleash destructive powers.

Actors ranging from James Franco and Joseph Gordon-Levitt to Robert Pattinson and Michael Fassbender have circled the project in some form or fashion as the studio sought to find an A-list lead.

Now comes word that Reeves has held talks with the studio, with whom he already made the massively successful "Matrix" movies, for the part of Kaneda, the gang leader. Reeves doesn't yet have an offer for the role, but we hear the talks with his representatives have been going well.

Reeves anchoring the project could serve as a strong lure for another A-lister to take the role of Tetsuo, the best friend.

Reeves is currently shooting the samurai action film "47 Ronin."

how old was Akira meant to be?

ZombieKitten said:

how old was Akira meant to be?

I think between 15-18

bboy87 said:

ZombieKitten said:

how old was Akira meant to be?

I think between 15-18

so who will Keanu be playing? his dad?

I just read the article again PROPERLY - don't mind me

ZombieKitten said:

I just read the article again PROPERLY - don't mind me

I had to re-read it too, because considering the source material, it doesn't make sense to me

The original was set in Tokyo and focused on a group of young rebellious kids, yet they're looking to cast 46 year old Keanu?

I'm okay with playing another anime favorite of mine, Cowboy Bebop, because he looks perfect for the role

[img:$uid]http://www.majorspoilers.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12a/cowboy_bebop___spike_spiegel.jpg[/img:$uid]

bboy87 said:

ZombieKitten said:

I just read the article again PROPERLY - don't mind me

I had to re-read it too, because considering the source material, it doesn't make sense to me

The original was set in Tokyo and focused on a group of young rebellious kids, yet they're looking to cast 46 year old Keanu?

I'm okay with playing another anime favorite of mine, Cowboy Bebop, because he looks perfect for the role

[img:$uid]http://www.majorspoilers.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12a/cowboy_bebop___spike_spiegel.jpg[/img:$uid]

yeah

I was actually interested in this until I saw Keanu's name.

All these actors are too old.

I could live with the placing them in college, but c'mon- middle age?

They should probably find a new title also.

An American remake is not going to be 'Akira.'

Vendetta1 said:

I was actually interested in this until I saw Keanu's name.

Same

Vendetta1 said:

I was actually interested in this until I saw Keanu's name.

A block of wood has more personality than that cat.

I have always had the hots for Keanu. He's so cute. Even nowadays, I tossed all the old guys out of my fantasy list (Brad, George, Rob, Johnny) however, Keanu is still present....

First they renamed Tetsuo to Travis and now they're considering Johnny 'bahoodapest' Mnemonic, clear indication this will suck.

Oh shit could all of the news about this movie get any worse?

Everything about this has Hollywood ineptitude written all over it.

The comics are set in Neo-Tokyo with a group of 15-17 year olds, a few blue children and some crazy scientists and generals.

I puked when they destroyed The Ring and Buffyfied The Grudge.

This is my most favourite comic book and one of my most favourity movies of all time. Man, Hollywood thou sucketh.