After more than 20 years in Hollywood limbo, the long-awaited live-action adaptation of Akira is officially off the table at Warner Bros. The movie rights have now reverted back to Kodansha, the Japanese publisher behind Katsuhiro Otomo’s legendary cyberpunk manga.
Originally announced back in 2002, Akira has seen countless directors, writers, and producers come and go. Even big names like Leonardo DiCaprio signed on as producers, and at one point, Thor: Ragnarok‘s director Taika Waititi was set to direct an all-Japanese cast version of the film.
But despite getting as far as securing a release date and even California tax credits, the project never made it to production. Waititi’s busy schedule, including Jojo Rabbit and Thor: Love and Thunder, meant Akira kept getting delayed until it quietly faded away.
A Legendary Story Stuck in Development Hell
Based on the classic manga and the groundbreaking 1988 anime film, Akira tells the story of Tetsuo, a teenager in post-apocalyptic Neo-Tokyo who develops dangerous psychic powers. His best friend Kaneda, leader of a biker gang, tries to stop him before he destroys everything.
Over the years, the adaptation struggled with creative differences, casting controversies, budget issues, and even a proposed setting change from Neo-Tokyo to “New Manhattan.” Despite all the effort (and millions spent), the film never left development.
Now that the rights are back with Kodansha, it’s likely Akira could get pitched to new studios or streaming platforms. As fans know, in the world of Akira, “The future is not a straight line.” Maybe a new live-action attempt will finally get it right.
About Akira
Akira (Japanese: アキラ) is a legendary cyberpunk manga series written and illustrated by Katsuhiro Otomo. It was originally serialized in Weekly Young Magazine from 1982 to 1990 and later collected into six tankōbon volumes published by Kodansha.
Set in a dystopian, post-apocalyptic Neo-Tokyo, Akira follows Tetsuo Shima, a teenager who gains dangerous psychic powers after a motorcycle accident, and Kaneda, his childhood friend and gang leader, who tries to stop him before he destroys the city. The story explores themes of political corruption, power, rebellion, and human evolution.
In 1988, the manga was adapted into an animated film directed by Katsuhiro Otomo himself. The Akira movie became a global phenomenon and is often credited with introducing anime to mainstream audiences outside Japan. It is praised for its groundbreaking animation quality, complex narrative, and lasting cultural impact.
The manga and film have since inspired countless works in sci-fi, animation, and pop culture worldwide. As of now, Akira remains one of the most influential and best-known titles in the history of manga and anime.
Netflix Streams this movie and describes its plot as:
“In this animated film based on the manga series, two childhood friends are pulled into the underworld of Neo‑Tokyo and forced to fight for survival.“
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
