The live-action adaptation of Katsuhiro Otomo’s Akira (published by Kodansha) is officially dead at Warner Bros. after over two decades of stagnation, reports The Hollywood Reporter. The rights were acquired in 2002, with multiple producers and directors attached at several points to the film, which eventually failed to materialize.
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Director Taika Waititi, perhaps best known for the Marvel films Thor: Ragnarok and Thor: Love and Thunder, was the latest to be attached to the project. Multiple projects eventually left Waititi stretched and unable to commit to finishing the film.
Now, the rights to adapt Akira have reverted back to Kodansha. The Hollywood Reporter adds that producers and talent are ‘lining up‘ to attach themselves to the project as they envision pitches to streamers and movie studios.
Producers are keen to capitalize on the boom of anime and manga as its popularity continues to swell globally. While live-action TV adaptations of anime and manga have seen a renewal in potential among sections of fans, with success stories in One Piece, Yu Yu Hakusho, and the Kakegurui-inspired Bet just recently landing a second season, films still remain a difficult area. Several announced adaptations of popular Japanese IP, including Naruto, My Hero Academia, Attack on Titan, and One-Punch Man have stalled or undergone extensive changes.
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Nevertheless, there still seems to be an appetite to try, with Gundam‘s Bandai Namco Filmworks setting up a new U.S. subsidiary to strengthen licensing efforts and produce its recently revealed live-action film, co-produced with Legendary. Popular actress Sydney Sweeney was also confirmed to be attached.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
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