Akira’s Big Screen Adventure Has Ended Once Again

The effort to adapt Akira for the big screen has failed once again. Despite Warner Bros. acquiring the rights in 2002, the project has been unable to get off the ground for over 20 years. One of Hollywood’s most delayed adaptations, this attempt has finally been officially cancelled. According to The Hollywood Reporter , the studio has now completely abandoned the project and sold off the rights.

Warner Bros.’ 20-Year-Long Akira Struggle

The film project, based on the legendary 1988 anime, was to be adapted from the 1982 Katsuhiro Otomo manga. However, many different directors, writers and actors were involved in the project over the years, none of whom could complete it. Blade director Stephen Norrington was first hired, but despite making changes such as making Kaneda and Tetsuo brothers, the project was cancelled early on.

In the following years, names such as Gary Whitta and Jaume Collet-Serra were assigned to write and direct the script, but these processes were not successful either. In 2012, roles were even distributed to actors such as Garrett Hedlund, Kristen Stewart, Ken Watanabe and Helena Bonham Carter. However, the plans were shelved again.

In 2017, new directors began to be considered for the project. Names such as George Miller, Christopher Nolan, Jordan Peele and David Sandberg were on the agenda. However, no concrete developments occurred. The most serious progress was made with Taika Waititi. The director had planned a cast consisting of Japanese actors, but the work stopped again due to his focus on other projects.

In 2020, Waititi announced that he had shelved the project. Now, with the news that Warner Bros. has sold the rights, Akira’s big screen adventure has officially come to an end. With this development, it remains unclear whether other studios will revive the project. However, it seems that Akira has decided to remain in animated form once again.

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