Akira moving forward

Oct 19, 2011

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Many fans were hoping that Warner Bros’ live-action adaptation of Akira would just die off with all the roadblocks the film faced during development. However, it seems as though that hope was in vein as WB has given the film the official go ahead, reports Variety. Jaume Collet-Serra will be directing the film, and is looking to begin production early next year. The film will also be changing its setting from Neo-Tokyo to Neo-Manhattan, much to the dismay of fans.
However, it seems that fans will at least be happy the studio is considering a character that would seem right for the lead role of Kaneda (It’s unknown what his name will be changed to in the Americanized version). Variety is also hearing that Garrett Hedlund (Tron: Legacy) is the frontrunner for that role. Hedlund would seem almost like a perfect choice given his role in Tron Legacy. But I assume that fans won’t be happy with whoever takes the role. No word on who’s auditioning for the role of Tetsuo.

Helena Bonham Carter and Gary Oldman for Akira?

Oct 23, 2011

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With Warner Bros. now moving forward with Akira (here), it’s time to begin casting. Garret Hedlund is currenlty in talks to join the film as Kaneda, and sources are now telling Twitch that Helena Bonham Carter and Gary Oldman have been offered roles in the film. Oldman has been offered to play the role of the Colonel, with Carter offered the role of Lady Miyako. While both Carter and Oldman are extroidinary actors, fans will still be complaining about the studio whitewashing the cast. Although, it’s understandable complaining about a Caucasion actor portraying an Asian character.

More actors up for the role of Tetsuo
2011

Warner Bros. seems to have had no problem getting the actors they want for the various roles in Jaume Collet-Serra’s Akira, but the studio is having a hard time finding an actor to portray the most important role, Tetsuo. The Hollywood Reporter has now revealed a new shortlist of actors auditioning for the role who’s names include: D.J. Cortrona, Logan Marshal Green, Toby Kebbell, Richard Madden, Rami Malek, and Micheal Pitt. Paul Dano and Alden Ehrenreich are said to be re-testing for the role.
All the actors are more or less unknown, but have gained praise for their work in Indie films. And with such names like Garret Hedlund, Kristen Stewart, Gary Oldman, and Helena Bonham Carter already linked to the film, perhaps it’s best for this role to have an unknown actor. This could also be the role that could see anyone of those actors get recognized in Hollywood.

Possible plot details on Akira

Nov 30, 2011

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Acting Auditions has posted a casting call for WB’s live-action Akira. In that casting call, possible plot details about the film have been revealed:
“Kaneda is a bar owner in Neo-Manhattan who is stunned when his brother, Tetsuo, is abducted by government agents led by The Colonel.
Desperate to get his brother back, Kaneda agrees to join with Ky Reed and her underground movement who are intent on revealing to the world what truly happened to New York City thirty years ago when it was destroyed. Kaneda believes their theories to be ludicrous but after finding his brother again, is shocked when he displays telekinetic powers.
Ky believes Tetsuo is headed to release a young boy, Akira, who has taken control of Tetsuo’s mind. Kaneda clashes with The Colonel’s troops on his way to stop Tetsuo from releasing Akira but arrives too late. Akira soon emerges from his prison courtesy of Tetsuo as Kaneda races in to save his brother before Akira once again destroys Manhattan island, as he did thirty years ago”