It’s learned that Warner Bros. has let go of the rights to the live-action Akira movie, which means the Taika Waititi film isn’t happening.
Waititi had been developing Akira since 2021 but was sidelined by other projects.
A movie has actually been in the works for more than 20 years, as Warner Bros. acquired the rights in 2002, but hasn’t been able to get the project off the ground.
Kodansha now shopping the rights around
The Akira rights have now reverted back to manga publisher Kodansha who first put out the story back in 1982.
THR says Kodansha is now shopping Akira around to other studios and streamers.
I could see it ending up at Netflix or Amazon, as Akira will be a big-budget sci-fi spectacle, and both those streamers have big pocketbooks while movie studios have been suffering. Apple could also be another contender as they have a boatload of money and like to release quality science fiction on Apple TV+.
20+ years of development
Various names that have been associated with Akira throughout the years include Blade and The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen filmmaker Stephen Norrington, Leonardo DiCaprio, and even I think Christopher Nolan. Garrett Hedlund was also involved at one time along with Kirsten Stewart, Helena Bonham-Carter, and Ken Watanabe.
Concept art also features Chris Evans and Joseph Gordon-Levitt (pictured above).
What is Akira about?
Akira is a Japanese cyberpunk story set in a post-apocalyptic Neo-Tokyo, following teenage biker Kaneda and his friend Tetsuo, who gains destructive psychic powers after a government experiment. As Tetsuo’s abilities spiral out of control, he becomes a threat to the city, leading to violent clashes with the military, resistance groups, and mysterious children with similar powers. At the center of it all is the secret of Akira, a boy whose powers once triggered Tokyo’s destruction. The story explores themes of political corruption, identity, and the consequences of unchecked power.
The Akira anime movie was also released in 1988, directed by Katsuhiro Otomo who also created the original manga.
