Live Action Akria Films planned for 2009

 

Anime News Network is reporting on plans by Appian Way to produce two Live Action Akria Films, the first based on volumes 1 – 3 of the famous Manga; the second being based on volumes 4 – 6.

Ireland’s Ruairi Robinson will be making his feature directorial debut with this project, and Gary Whitta (Book of Eli) is writing a script. Warner Brothers once had the film rights for Akira before, but Executive Vice-President Greg Silverman (300, Batman Begins) had to re-acquire them from Kodansha after a round of pitched bidding that reached seven figures. Mad Chance’s Andrew Lazar, DiCaprio, and Appian Way’s Jennifer Davisson will produce. No announcement has been made regarding the cast.

Update: The free version of Hollywood Reporter’s article is now active, and more information about the original manga and anime adaptation have been added.

It sounds as if this project has been in development for a long time and Akria deserves a good live action film adaption that needs to capture the ruthless and oppressive world in Neo-Tokyo (Neo-Manhatten in the new movie). I hope the Manga gets a faithful and worthwhile adaption.