‘Book of Eli’ Brothers to Take on ‘Akira’ Remake

Published by Jeff Leins on February 10, 2010

Warner Bros is negotiating with the Hughes bros. to direct a live-action remake of the 1988 Japanese anime Akira.  The duo recently directed last month’s apocalyptic thriller The Book of Eli after a 9-year hiatus.

News came last September that Iron Man screenwriters Mark Fergus and Hawk Ostby were adapting the original manga about a teen biker subjected to government-sanctioned medical experimentation and the gang member’s attempted rescue.  Book of Eli writer Gary Whitta has since joined the team.

Appian Way, Leonardo DiCaprio’s production company is producing along with Jonah Hex’s Andrew Lazar, though DiCaprio has said he won’t fill any of the roles.  Ruirai Robinson was originally set to make his directorial debut, but was later replaced.  Joseph Gordon-Levitt was also rumored to star at one point.

If it’s any consolation to source’s numerous fans, they plan to keep the famous motorcycle.  Though now the setting is expected to be a post-apocalyptic “New Manhattan” some time in the “near future,” which explains the natural hiring of the Albert and Allen Hughes.

Vulture, who broke the story Wednesday afternoon, confirms WB is splitting the story into two films, the first of which is due out next year.  The psychological 2,182-page graphic novel is essentially being chopped in half by two contributors to the brilliant Children of Men.

Akira fans, what are your thoughts?