Warner Bros. has been trying to produce the live-action “Akira” since they got the rights in 2002. It has had many versions, but all fell under. This latest iteration, written by Marco J. Ramirez (“Sons of Anarchy”), produced by Leonardo Dicaprio, and now rumored to be directed by Justin Lin (“Fast & Furious”), may have the best chance yet.
Akira, set in post-nuclear Tokyo and following a leader of a biker gang who must save his friend from a secret government project, was a popular manga that ran in the ‘80s. It became the cult classic it is today when it was developed into a sci-fi animated thriller in 1988.
In a recent episode of YouTube vodcast Meet the Movie Press, the Wrap’s Jeff Sneider suggested that Lin is in line to direct the live-action “Akira.” While this is all speculation, Lin’s attachment to the “Space Jam 2” film, also produced by Warner Bros., may be the reason why the studio is actively courting Lin.
Lin, who is known for reviving the “Fast and Furious” franchise, has proven he can combine action and story seamlessly. That he is of Asian descent may calm fan worries on whether the film will get white-washed.
