While Kunis and Franco are Rumored for Raimi's 'Oz: The Great and Powerful,' 'Akira' Suffers

Sami Raimi you devil, you.  First the Evil Dead mastermind manages to woo the ridiculously-in-demand James Franco, but now we hear that he’s also pinned down Black Swan temptress Mila Kunis for his upcoming wizard-y prequel Oz: The Great and Powerful. 

Confused expressions + pointy hats = surefire hit.

The movie, written by the strange and intriguing pairing of action dude Mitchell Kapner (Romeo Must Die) and Rabbit Hole writer David Lindsay-Abaire, will star Franco as the titular wizard, while Kunis is being rumored for the part of Theodorah, better known as The Wicked Witch of the West.  Stellar.

The only drawback is that both actors were being considered for roles in the upcoming live-action Akira, and now that film is in a bit of a pickle as it struggles to re-up it’s star power.

Apparently, Warner Brothers is dead-set on casting the biggest names possible for the Manga-remake, while director Albert Hughes insists on choosing talent over number of magazine covers.  Kunis was actually a happy medium between the two, as Hughes saw her skills whilst WB saw their future dollar signs.  Franco was just a rumor, but Kunis was apparently actively considering the role.  Now, with the leading-lady being lured towards Raimi’s picture, Hughes, and thus Akira, are being left out to pasture.

When it comes down to it, though, both Kunis and Franco are probably making the right decision.  As excellent as the “Akira” manga and original Japanese animated film are, it’s hard to argue the marketability of a film that’s never been tried with live actors before over a prequel to an undeniable classic.  

I, for one, am excited for both films, and I hope they both come to fruition, but with Franco and Kunis both riding on a wave of Awards Season Fervor at the moment, they’d do best to make decisions that ensure that the public’s attention stays with them in the coming years.  The again, regardless of what films they end up in, they shouldn’t have much of a problem keeping our gaze drawn.  They are pretty good looking.

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