After years of uncertainty, the long-awaited live-action adaptation of Akira is once again moving forward. Director Taika Waititi remains attached to the project, and producer Andrew Lazar has confirmed that fans can expect a significant update in the coming months.
A Storied Development Journey
Warner Bros. acquired the rights to adapt Katsuhiro Otomo’s seminal cyberpunk manga Akira in 2002. Since then, the project has faced numerous delays and changes in creative direction. Waititi was first announced as director in 2017, expressing a desire to adapt the original six-volume manga rather than remaking the 1988 anime film. However, the project was postponed when Waititi took on Thor: Love and Thunder, leading to Akira being removed from Warner Bros.’ release schedule.
Recent Developments
In a recent interview, producer Andrew Lazar stated, “Expect an update about it in the next couple of months,” reigniting interest in the adaptation. This follows the submission of a new script draft by writer Charles Yu in early 2024, building upon earlier work by Michael Golamco.
Waititi has emphasized his intention to cast Asian-American teenagers in the lead roles to avoid whitewashing and to stay true to the source material. He also aims to adapt the manga’s full narrative, offering a more comprehensive exploration of its themes and characters.
While no official release date has been announced, the renewed momentum behind the live-action Akira suggests that the project is finally gaining traction. Fans eagerly await further updates as the adaptation progresses toward production.
