'Akira' Remake Risks Cancellation

With tickets sales shrinking, many projects are being forced to either go low budget or vanish into oblivion.  Gore Verbinski's version of The Lone Ranger nearly died for that reason, and similar things can be said of recent planned adaptations like Paradise Lost and Arthur and Lancelot.  The studio has mandated that unless producers can reduce Akira's budget from it's original $90 million to between $60 million and $70 million, the project will be cancelled.  The planned film was to be directed by Jaume Collet-Serra and star Garret Hedlund.

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'Akira' Plot Summary Released

We've been posting periodic updates about the live-action remake of the anime classic Akira for some time now, as it has attracted star talent ranging from Ken Watanabe to Kristen Stewart.  With casting still very much in flux, a plot synopsis has surfaced online through the website Acting-auditions.org.  The most notable changes include the switch from the anime's setting of "Neo-Tokyo" to "Neo-Manhattan", and the changing of Kaneda's and Tetsuo's relationship.

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Kristen Stewart Offered Female Lead in 'Akira'?

Kristen Stewart should stick to hanging out with werewolves & vampires

As if the the live-action, english language Akira movie wasn't being met with enough skepticism, now it's being reported that Twilight star Kristen Stewart has been offered the female lead in it.  According to Twitch, Stewart who's currently filming Snow White and The Huntsman, while also promoting the upcoming The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1 (in theaters this Friday) is being considered for the role of Kei in the Akira reboot.

While no official announcements have been made or reports of negotiations actually taking place, Stewart is the latest actor to be linked to director Jaume Collet-Serra's Akira project.

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'Akira' American Remake to Star Garret Hedlund, Possibly Gary Oldman

Akira was a landmark 1988 anime that, for many, was the film that first cemented what often makes eastern animation so distinct from western.  It was gritty, it was violent, it had complex themes and characters, and it clearly wasn't meant for children.  A live action Hollywood remake has been floating around in development hell for quite a few years, at points drawing in the star power of Leonardo DiCaprio, Keanu Reeves, and Zac Efron.  Now, it looks as though it may finally be moving forward, as more behind-the-scenes casting details are emerging.

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'Akira' Remake is a Go with Garrett Hedlund in Lead Role?

It was reported last weekend that Warner Bros. was going to decide this week whether to green light a new live action, English language remake of Akira, and they've come to a final decision.  Surprise!  They're going to make it and are now on the lookout for the right leading man.  According to Variety, the studio currently has its sights set on TRON: Legacy star Garrett Hedlund to fill the role of Kaneda.

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