Finally, some exciting information has been revealed about the long-shelved live-action film project Akira anime adaptation of the work by author Katsuhiro Otomo . The project has been revived, with Taika Waititi, who directed the excellent Marvel film Thor: Ragnarok, directing, and Otomo himself involved in the production.
The Hollywood synopsis suggests significant alterations to the original story as we know it.
You can read below:
"When a young boy's telekinesis is discovered by the military, he is taken by them to become a super weapon, and it's up to his brother to race to rescue him before Manhattan is destroyed by his powers. Kaneda owns a bar in Neo-Manhattan and is stunned when his brother Tetsuo is abducted by government agents led by the Colonel. Desperate to get his brother back, Kaneda joins Ky Reed and his illegal movement, which aims to reveal to the world what really happened in New York 30 years ago when it was destroyed.".
Kaneda believes their theories are ridiculous, but after confronting his brother again, he is shocked when he displays his telekinetic powers. Ky believes Tetsuo is going to free a little boy, Akira, who has taken control of Tetsuo's mind. Kaneda fights the Colonel's troops his way through to stop Tetsuo from freeing Akira, but arrives too late. Akira quickly escapes his prison thanks to Tetsuo, while Kaneda races to save his brother before Akira destroys Manhattan Island again, just as he did thirty years ago
Leonardo DiCaprio in the live-action film Akira?
The surprise came with the revelation that actor Leonardo DiCaprio would be a producer on the film. It's worth remembering that his name had been suggested years ago in connection with the production, but nothing involving acting or any character was confirmed.
It was Neo-Tokyo and now it's Neo-Manhattan... Really...
Yes, that was to be expected… coming from a Hollywood production, they were certainly going to change the controversial themes of the original adaptation. But changing Kaneda's origin story—that he's Tetsuo's brother—is just too much to accept.
Variety also confirmed that Akira will be filmed. Produced by Leonardo DiCaprio and Andrew Lazar, the film has reportedly been approved by the California Film Commission, and filming is expected to last 71 days .
So, what did you think of this adaptation proposal?