Warner Bros. has tried numerous times to make a live-action remake of Katsuhiro Ohtomo’s Akira, so at this time I don’t know which incarnation these are for. What I can tell you is that it was created by Brazilian artist, Rodolfo Damaggio. Check it out!

Just a year ago, Warner Bros. live-action take on Akira, starring Kristen Stewart (Twilight) and Garrett Hedlund (Tron: Legacy), appeared to be moving forward, but several concerns arose that lead to the project being shutdown indefinitely. That version would’ve been directed by Jaume Collet-Serra (Orphan), but he isn’t the only director to take a crack at Akira. Before Jaume, there was Albert Hughes (Book Of Eli & From Hell) and even Irish short film director, Ruairi Robinson.

Even though WB has been unsuccessful with their live-action version we at least have some concept art from the defunct project. These new images that have surfaced on Rodolfo Damaggio’s ((Hulk, Iron Man, & Green Lantern) website give us a much better idea of the look of the film, whichever version it was for. There are a trio of cityscapes depicting “New Manhattan” and one of the film’s protagonist, Kaneda. Enjoy!

At the Platform International Animation Festival in Los Angeles, Anime News Network had a chance to sit down with legendary director and manga artist Katsuhiro Otomo and ask him a few questions over breakfast.

I wanted to jump right in and ask about your new project that’s going to be starting in Weekly Shonen Sunday. What made you decide to do something for younger audiences?

Actually it’s not decided yet if I’m going to go in Shonen Sunday or not. I’ve been targeting the younger generation since the beginning. Now it seems like as the project is getting more geared towards older audiences. So I’m still considering whether to go with Weekly Shonen Sunday or not.

I see. Is there a rough plan/timeframe for when it will be launched?

Well, actually, it WAS planned to launch this autumn. (laughs) Please don’t ask.

There was one magazine that mentioned that you were actually doing everything yourself without assistance; is that true?

Yes.

That sounds really tough.

Yes, that’s why it’s taking some time. (laughs)

Moving on to older projects: many of my favorite of your works, such as Roujin Z and The Order to Stop Construction, are satire, a rarity in anime and manga. I was wondering if satire was something you find yourself gravitating towards.

That’s totally depends on the basic idea, itself. Sometimes I get inspiration from the politics, but sometimes I get into more fantasy. Not everything in current events makes for a good story — for example, we had a big earthquake two years ago in Japan. I was very shocked, but despite everything that happened, I’m not convinced anyone will be able to make a good work of fiction out of it. Some artists have already started drawing, but they’ve stuck mostly to accounts of what actually happened in Japan.

Lots of veteran anime creators have talked a bit about the future of anime and manga in Japan and worried about the future. Is that something you think a lot about?

Yeah, I think it’s getting harder and harder to become a director in Japan. Maybe some of the difficulties in the business sphere are coming from the earthquake, and everything else going on there. It’s not easy to get sponsors from the corporate world for creating animation these days.

Is there any hope, are you finding any bright spots in the industry?

Well, in spite of all the difficulties, the animators in Japan are all working hard and doing their best, so there’s hope in that. Beyond that, I don’t pay much attention to the trendy side of the business, so I’m really not the guy to ask.

So, talking about your new work, Combustible, its theme is clearly two young people who are trapped in their society, and their attempts to break free from that trap. What inspired that theme?

The basic theme of the storyline is fairly typical of old Japanese literature, called kabuki or joruri. For example, the story of Yaoya Oshichi is, more or less, the same basic story as Combustible. I wanted to take that old theme that we used to have in Japan 300 years ago, and describe with recent technologies, in anime form.

Read the rest of the interview at http://www.animenews … hiro-otomo-interview

Taking place in Edo in the 18th century, Combustible is the story of Owaka, the daughter of a merchant family who leads a lonely childhood, save for the friendship of the troublemaking boy next door Matsukichi. Matsukichi is fascinated by fires — when they occur, they often take out whole neighborhoods in that era, and the brave tattooed men in the fire brigade are tasked with pre-emptively demolishing buildings around the flames before the damage travels too far. Matsukichi gets a tattoo, and having been disowned by his father, he joins the ranks of the firemen.

Owaka, however, is not so lucky. Her parents are busy arranging a marriage for her. Miserable to the point of desperation, and pining for Matsukichi to come rescue her, she accidentally starts a fire of her own.

The storytelling in Combustible is nothing new — in fact, it has its roots in classic Japanese literature of its day. What is new is the novel combination of traditional emakimono — the long panoramic scrolls from which manga is descended — and new digital animation techniques. In the beginning the effect is subtle: the story begins as a pan across one such emakimono, which slowly takes on three dimensions and subtle movement, until we are thoroughly engrossed, and the only the dimmed silk embroidery that letterboxes the screen remains.

Though the tale of youth trying, with varying degrees of success, to break free of their societal constraints is nothing special, Otomo makes it compelling through heavy use of atmospherics and a quick pace. That is to say nothing of the fire itself: explosive, terrifying, and so fast that it’s hard not to think of cities of the era as one gigantic death trap. It’s awe inspiring for its sheer scale and audacity, as much so as any huge towering oddity Otomo has constructed to this point.

Although its short running time precludes the viewer from having a strong emotional connection to either character, Combustible nonetheless makes an impression. The story is familiar enough that it feels as if we’re being told a particularly exciting fairy tale, and even if we know from the onset how it will end, we still dare not look away. -JS

Photos courtesy of Fumi Kitahara, The PR Kitchen. Combustible © “Short Peace” Committee.

California Institute of the Arts’ downtown center for the contemporary arts, a section of the famous Walt Disney Concert Hall known as REDCAT, was the setting for a sold-out evening with manga artist and director Katsuhiro Otomo, as part of a new annual animation and art festival entitled Platform. The night would be his first public appearance in North America in 15 years, and the school would be presenting Otomo with the first ever Platform Lifetime Achievement Award.

The crowd, made up mostly of animation students and CalArts alumni, cheered loudly for Otomo, who was brought out briefly for an introduction before his new short film was screened: a 12-minute short entitled “Combustible (Hi no Yōjin),” which will be released later as part of an omnibus feature film entitled “Short Peace”.

After the screening, animation historian Jerry Beck introduced a clip reel of Otomo’s work. Referring to Otomo as one of the “very few game changers in the history of animation,” he credited Akira as having changed the entire perception of the art-form worldwide. The clips presented included several from Akira, the Cannon Fodder segment of Memories, Neo-Tokyo (namely his segment The Order to Stop Construction) and Steamboy.

Otomo was then presented to a round of applause. Along with an interpreter, he sat down with Beck for an interview. The first question was, where did it start for him, in terms of influences?

“I used to love manga as a kid, and wanted to become a manga artist, and when I was in high school I got into movies as well. But being a director was quite a lofty goal, so I decided to become a manga artist instead. The world of manga, as created by Osamu Tezuka in Japan, had its methods rooted in filmmaking, so the two weren’t so different. He was able to move onto making films from that point, as well.”

Beck noticed a thematic pattern in Otomo’s work, of tradition versus new technologies. “I’ve tried to present both sides. I like new things — movies, music, technology and such, but there’s value in the past as well, so I try to be even-handed.”

As for the new film, Combustible, is this the sort of image he had of old Japan? “I really wanted to describe the Edo period in a movie for a long time, but it’s not easy to bring the Edo period to a feature film. Hence, this short project.”

Beck mentioned an earlier conversation with Otomo, where he said it’d be easy for him to get funding for a new Sci-fi film, but that really isn’t what he’s interested in. “Well, sure,” Otomo replied, “but it’s not like it’d be easy to get funding to make Sci-fi either. Recently it’s become very difficult to make sci-fi films as well.” Reflecting on his past sci-fi work, he quipped, “the biggest challenge is that, 20 years ago, no sci-fi had people using cell phones, and now everyone has one. Something so basic to our everyday lives, and we got it wrong. Trying to imagine the future is really tough.”

What were his influences in making The Order to Stop Construction? “It’s a long story. It was from a novel originally. It was the first thing I directed, and the project also involved Rintaro and Yoshiaki Kawajiri’s work as well. At the beginning we discussed picking up the stories from short novels, but the other two ended up changing their minds, so I was the only one left adapting fiction.”

As for Akira, was there an immediate demand to bring it to theaters, even before he were done with the manga? “Yes, I was asked to make it, because at the time there was a huge animation production boom. During the manga writing of Akira, I was asked to make it.” Was it given a bigger budget, or was it special in any other way as a production at the time? “We had a huge budget. I don’t remember how I got so much to work with,” he laughed. Was it a big hit in Japan as well? “It wasn’t a huge hit, really. That’s my opinion, but I don’t think it was such a huge hit,” he said with a grin.

What happened afterwards? Did he have lots of producers knocking on his door? “I had quite a few offers, but I had my own list of things I wanted to do. I wanted to make a live action film, and someone asked me to direct one, so I did. And then someone asked me to make Akira 2, which I didn’t want to do. And then Steamboy came a long. And that took many years.”

Was he familiar with the Hollywood remake of Akira that ’s in produciton? “Huh?” he mimed, to the audience’s amusement. “Nope. I work on manga, and I work on animation. There’s no need for me to be involved in that.”

The floor was opened up for audience questions. The first one, after a few false startts, ended up asking his opinion of Looper: “I was really floored by it.” When informed that the director of Looper, Rian Johnson, is a fan of Otomo’s, he said he’d like to meet him. “Is he here?” Beck asked the audience, but there was no response.

Read the rest at http://www.animenews … l-animation-festival

Warner Bros. live-action version of Akira was shelved due to budget concerns. Now you can take a look at Jeffrey Errico’s unused storyboards for the opening title sequence.

For years Warner Bros. has unsuccessfully tried to adapt Katsuhiro Ohtomo’s Akira for a Hollywood. Last we knew, Jaume Collet-Serra (Unknown) was set to direct, and Garrett Hedlund was to play the lead role of Kaneda and Twilight’s Kristen Stewart was to play the female lead, Ky. Things fell apart as Warner Bros. wanted to give the film’s $90 million budget another $20 million haircut. Since then the film has been put on the shelf indefinitely. But we can at least check out these storyboards created by Jeffrey Errico, and watch the video below in order to compare the two. Enjoy!

Please keep in mind that these might not have been created for the Jaume Collet-Serra’s version of Akira, as there was two director’s attached to the project previously.

Remake’s Synopsis - Kaneda is a bar owner in Neo-Manhattan who is stunned when his brother, Tetsuo, is abducted by government agents led by The Colonel. Desperate to get his brother back, Kaneda agrees to join with Ky Reed and her underground movement who are intent on revealing to the world what truly happened to New York City thirty years ago when it was destroyed. Kaneda believes their theories to be ludicrous but after finding his brother again, is shocked when he displays telekinetic powers.

Ky believes Tetsuo is headed to release a young boy, Akira, who has taken control of Tetsuo’s mind. Kaneda clashes with The Colonel’s troops on his way to stop Tetsuo from releasing Akira but arrives too late. Akira soon emerges from his prison courtesy of Tetsuo as Kaneda races in to save his brother before Akira once again destroys Manhattan island, as he did thirty years ago.

As WB scramble to cast Albert Hugh’s live action Akira flick with 2 leads, the latest name to emerge for gang leader Kaneda is love him or loathe him Keanu Reeves.

Since the rumor that Zac Effron was in talks to play Kaneda hit, we have had several more actors churned up, some of them by the rumor mill and some with genuine ties to Warner Bros live action adaptation of Akira. Now The Hollywood Reporter reveal that the latest big name in connection with the lead role is Keanu Reeves.

Actors ranging from James Franco and Joseph Gordon-Levitt to Robert Pattinson and Michael Fassbender have circled the project in some form or fashion as the studio sought to find an A-list lead.

Now comes word that Reeves has held talks with the studio, with whom he already made the massively successful Matrix movies, for the part of Kaneda, the gang leader. Reeves doesn’t yet have an offer for the role, but we hear the talks with his reps have been going well.

Now, word is that this is very early days and may of course not happen. But one thing is for sure, WB have done away with any notion of keeping these characters teenagers…or even relatively young men! Accept that, and how does Reeves look as Kaneda? Well, I actually think the man can be pretty good sometimes and all you need do is look at The Matrix to see what a great sci-fi leading man he can be. But I dunno about this. If he is cast, and you still give a damn about this movie, who would make a good Tetsuo?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBAJdtPVnZc

About this project

The ToonSeum is proud to present an exhibition featuring original art from the groundbreaking anime classic Akira.

Katsuhiro Otomo’s anime masterpiece Akira is widely regarded as one of the most groundbreaking and influential films of all time. Based on the artist’s own landmark manga series of the same name, the film not only shattered box office records around the world but has retained a fiercely dedicated audience of animators and aficionados for more than twenty years – and for good reason. Akira revolutionized animation and arguably saved the Japanese film industry, paving the way for a new generation of artists and spawning a worldwide acceptance of animation as high art.

Akira was an epic collaboration and full of animation firsts. Adapted from thousands of pages of manga and pooling resources from several of Japan’s largest entertainment companies, the production cost over $10 million, which in 1988 made it the most expensive animated feature ever made. Akira was the first animated film in Japan to record its voice actor’s performances before principle animation began so that character’s facial expressions and lip movements could be synchronized. An elaborate symphonic score was written and conducted by composer Shoji Yamashiro, a then unheard of indulgence that has become one of the most definable and enduring features of the film.

No other film had ever looked like Akira, it’s stunningly fluid and detailed animation often requiring as many as nine separate cel layers. The 125 minute feature was comprised of over 160,000 cels and almost as many backgrounds, each one completely hand–drawn and hand-painted. Purists recognize Akira as the last completely hand-created animated feature, as cel animation quickly gave way to cheaper digital production and CGI technology.

In 2010, the historical and artistic significance of Akira cannot be understated. As the popularity and influence of animation continues to expand, the Akira Exhibit gives audiences the unique opportunity to take a deeper look into this unparalleled achievement in filmmaking. Each item in the exhibit has been hand selected by Akira expert Joe Peacock from his unrivaled collection of more than 10, 000 authenticated pieces.

Visitors will be given access to never-before-seen aspects of the film, from fully-displayed backgrounds, sketches and production development layouts, to the layers of cels that made up some of the most astounding scenes in the film.

The Akira Exhibit promises to be an enthralling experience, sure to captivate any fan of animation and graphic storytelling, from anime enthusiast to those witnessing Otomo’s grand vision for the fist time.

We are seeking public support to help present this remarkable exhibition. Your pledge helps pay for the cost of framing, marketing, and educational programing.
Thank you.

Project location: Pittsburgh, PA

ToonSeum Takes Fundraising to the Fans with the Art of Akira

Pittsburgh–In spring of 2010, the ToonSeum will present an exhibition of original art from the anime masterpiece Akira, a groundbreaking and widely influential work that revolutionized animation. Katsuhiro Otomo’s epic film revitalized the Japanese film industry and inspired a new generation of international artists and fervent fandom.

In a unique approach to increasing the scope of the Akira exhibition, the ToonSeum is reaching out directly to this devout fan-base for assistance. In an attempt to raise the funds needed to ensure the exhibit’s success, the ToonSeum is asking Akira enthusiasts to pledge sponsorship through Kickstarter.com, a new website that raises funding for unique projects.

“The comic and cartoon arts are a unique pop art form with extremely dedicated and knowledgable fans,” said ToonSeum Executive Director Joe Wos. “There are entire clubs and conventions built around Anime, comics, and more. Akira is revered within this community as a true masterpiece.”

“This is a rare opportunity for that fanbase to directly be a part of what will be one of the largest exhibitions of the art of Akira. We’re very excited about what an organization like Kickstarter can do for a small museum like the ToonSeum.”

Akira was an epic collaboration and full of animation firsts. Upon its release in 1988, Akira was the most expensive animated feature ever made, pooling resources from several of Japan’s largest entertainment companies to complete the production. An elaborate symphonic score was written for the film and all voice actors where recorded before principle animation began for authentic lip syncing. The stunningly fluid and detailed animation required up to nine separate cel layers, demanding over 160,000 hand-produced cels and almost as many backgrounds.

“There is a lot about Akira that reinforces the egalitarian appeal of cartoons,” said John Mattie, ToonSeum gallery manager. “Over 15 Japanese companies contributed to the making of the film employing hundreds of artists, each insisting that Otomo’s vision be realized. Our thinking in utilizing Kickstarter.com for this project is that all of these fans can show their love and support of the film and help spread the awareness of the cartoon arts. Cartoon fan or cineast, this film is essential.”

In 2010, the historical and artistic significance of Akira cannot be understated. As the popularity and influence of animation continues to expand, the Akira Exhibit gives audiences the unique opportunity to take a deeper look into this achievement in filmmaking. Each item in the exhibit has been hand selected by Akira expert Joe Peacock from his unrivaled collection of more than 10,000 authenticated pieces. Visitors will be given access to never-before-seen aspects of the film, from fully-displayed backgrounds, sketches and production development layouts, to the layers of cels that made up some of the most astounding scenes in the film.

The Akira Exhibit promises to captivate any fan of animation and graphic storytelling, from anime enthusiast to those witnessing Otomo’s grand vision for the fist time.

For information on sponsorships and other opportunities
Please visit: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/toonseum/toonseum-presents-the-akira-exhibit

or

Contact: Joe Wos, executive director
Tel: 412-232-0199
Email: joe@toonseum.com
Website: theartofakira.com and www.toonseum.org

The Art of Akira
When: April through June, 2010
Where: The ToonSeum,
945 Liberty Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Menace II Society directors in reported talks over Katsuhiro Otomo’s manga

New York Magazine’s Vulture blog reports that the Hughes brothers — the directors behind Menace II Society, Dead Presidents, From Hell, and The Book of Eli — are negotiating with the Warner Brothers movie studio to direct the planned live-action film adaptation of Katsuhiro Otomo’s Akira manga. ComingSoon.net reported in December that Mark Fergus and Hawk Ostby, the writers of the first Iron Man film, wrote the most recent script drafts for the two proposed films. According to the Vulture blog, “an official release from the studio is expected later this week” regarding Albert and Allen Hughes’ involvement.

Actor Leonardo DiCaprio (Titanic, The Aviator) is producing the planned live-action film adaptation through his Appian Way production company. Mad Chance producer Andrew Lazar (Jonah Hex, Space Cowboys) said at Comic-Con International in August that the live-action project “is a real priority project for Warner Brothers” but is not likely to go into production before the third quarter of 2010 for a 2011 release. Otomo is an executive producer and consultant on the project.

According to The Hollywood Reporter and Variety in 2008, Warner and Appian Way will adapt the Akira manga into two live-action films. Each film would cover three volumes of the renowned science-fiction manga about a governmental genetic project and a teenager’s attempt to save a fellow biker gang member. Otomo directed his own animated film adaptation that premiered on July 16, 1988 — the same day that the story has the fictional Tokyo being destroyed.

Update: More background information added.

Vulture Exclusive: The Hughes Brothers to Direct the Akira Remake

Photo: Toho Company

Vulture has learned that Warner Bros. is negotiating to reteam with The Book of Eli’s Hughes brothers to have them direct a live-action remake of the cult favorite Akira, from a script by Iron Man scribes Mark Fergus and Hawk Ostby. (Akira is being produced by Leonardo DiCaprio’s company, Appian Way, along with Andrew Lazar, who’s also currently producing an adaptation of DC Comics’ Jonah Hex for Warners.)

Even if you had read all of Katsuhiro Otomo’s epic 1982 manga and/or seen his own 1988 anime adaptation, summarizing the plot to Akira would still prove a bit of a challenge. As near as we can figure, Akira is about the leader of a biker gang who tries to save his kidnapped pal from a powerful supernatural experiment. (It might also be a psycho-philosophical exploration of corruption, the will to power, and the maturation of man and mankind, but we were actually pretty high when we first saw it in college, so please don’t hold us to that.)

Respecting the source’s complexity (or perhaps acquiescing to it), Warners won’t proceed with a single, live-action remake of the film, which trimmed away the last half of the 2,182-page graphic novel in order to weigh in at just over two hours. Instead, we hear that the studio is planning to make Akira in two parts, with the first three volumes of the six-volume manga making up the first film, due out next year.

An official release from the studio is expected later this week.

Read more: Vulture Exclusive: The Hughes Brothers to Direct the Akira Remake — Vulture http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2010/02/akira_remake_hughes_bros.html#ixzz0iFtd57ue

Otomo gave notes on preliminary drafts that adapted all 6 manga volumes

The ComingSoon.net reports on Sunday on an update that screenwriter Gary Whitta gave regarding his work on Warner Brothers and Appian Way’s planned live-action film adaptation of Katsuhiro Otomo’s Akira manga. Whitta noted that he had not worked on the project “for about a year,” but added his “very, very preliminary” script drafts adapted all six volumes of the manga. (The 1988 Akira anime film was made while the original 1982-1990 manga was still being serialized.)

Whitta acknowledged that he never had a formal meeting with Otomo, but said that the staff did receive notes from Otomo “and kept in touch.” Whitta is no longer being kept up-to-date on the project, and according to ComingSoon.net, the film’s script is now being handled by Mark Fergus and Hawk Ostby.

Actor Leonardo DiCaprio (Titanic, The Aviator) is producing the planned live-action film adaptation through his Appian Way production company. Mad Chance producer Andrew Lazar (Jonah Hex, Space Cowboys) said at Comic-Con International in August that the live-action project “is a real priority project for Warner Brothers” but is not likely to go into production before the third quarter of 2010 for a 2011 release.

Update: More background information added.

Gary Whitta Provides Akira Update
Source: Silas Lesnick

Speaking this morning from an early press day for The Book of Eli, screenwriter Gary Whitta was asked about his contributions to an early draft of the live-action Akira film, a project that, since it’s original announcement, has met with varying degrees of progress, including rumors that it would be split into two films and that work on the project had stopped altogether.

“…I haven’t worked on it for about a year,” says Whitta, “…The version I worked on was about going back to the source and doing the manga version. We were going to adapt the whole six-episode graphic novel.”

Of interest is the note that the project would encompass all six volumes of “Akira” creator Katsuhiro Otomo’s manga. The famous 1988 anime adaptation was based primarily on the first two volumes. Whitta also made mention of Otomo’s own (albeit slight) involvement:

“We got notes from [Otomo] and we kept in touch, but we never had a formal meeting or anything. The script I worked on was very, very preliminary. We did a couple of drafts of the script but, when I was there at least, it never got wrapped up to the point where I think he would get really hands on.”

The film now appears to be in the hands of screenwriters Mark Fergus and Hawk Ostby and it is unknown if they are starting from scratch or expanding on Whitta’s work.

“They don’t keep you in the loop after you’re done,” says Whitta, “…now I go on the internet to find out what’s happening with it like everyone else.”

“Not realistic to go before the third quarter of next year for a 2011 release”

Mad Chance producer Andrew Lazar (Jonah Hex, Space Cowboys) told the iFMagazine website at Comic-Con International last week that while the writers for the live-action film adaptation of the Akira manga are still working on a draft, “it is a real priority project for Warner Brothers.” He cautioned however, that if the proposed project is green-lit for production, it will not be soon. “Sometimes movies need an enormous amount of prep, like this one. It is not realistic to go before the third quarter of next year for a 2011 release.”

Lazar indicated that there is “a lot of interest from a variety of people” for possible directing duties. He also emphasized that he is “a very inclusive producer of underlying rights” and that the original manga creator Katsuhiro Otomo is an executive producer and consultant on the proposed live-action project.

The Hollywood Reporter and Variety entertainment trade periodicals both reported last year that Warner and Appian Way, the production company of actor Leonardo DiCaprio (Titanic, The Aviator), will adapt the Akira manga into two live-action films. Each film would cover three volumes of the renowned science-fiction manga about a governmental genetic project and a teenager’s attempt to save a fellow biker gang member. Otomo directed his own animated film adaptation that premiered on July 16, 1988 — the same day that the story has the fictional Tokyo being destroyed.

Source: iFMagazine via AnimeVice

Exclusive Comic-Con News (DAY 2 - July 24, 2009): ‘AKIRA’ LIVE ACTION FILM A ‘PRIORITY PROJECT’ FOR WARNER BROS.

The studio is working on a script to the ‘holy grail’ of anime for a 2011 release, says producer Andrew Lazar

By CARL CORTEZ and EMERSON PARKER, iF Staff
LOCATION: San Diego Comic Con

THE SKINNY: While talking about JONAH HEX at the San Diego Comic Con, producer Andrew Lazar revealed exclusively to iF Magazine plans for an upcoming AKIRA live action film.

“We are working on the script,” Lazar says about AKIRA. “It is a real priority project for Warner Bros. and so [the writers] are working on a draft.”

Way cool! And we can’t wait. When will it be in production? “Sometimes movies need an enormous amount of prep, like this one. It is not realistic to go before the third quarter of next year for a 2011 release,” Lazar says.

A film such as this is bound to have a huge buzz and following so does Lazar have any ideas about a director? “So many interesting choices, in truth, it is such an amazing property that we’ve seen a lot of interest from a variety of people,” Lazar says. “Once we get the final script, we’ll see what our final options are. It is a very important decision and we don’t want to jump into it lightly.”

Lazar believes that AKIRA is the holy grail of anime and wants to do it right. Because of that, he’s brought on board Katsuhiro Ôtomo, the original creator of the anime, as an executive producer and consultant on the movie.

“I’ve always been a very inclusive producer of underlying rights,” Lazar says. “And am very anxious to collaborate with Ôtomo and listen to his thoughts.”

But don’t ask about casting for AKIRA as of yet, Lazar believes that it is far too premature to be talking about who will play what role.

Joseph Gordon-LevittThough recent rumors have sounded the death-knell for Warner Bros’ live-action adaptation of Katsuhiro Otomo’s seminal manga, “Akira,” Joseph Gordon-Levitt isn’t ready to say die.

“You never know,” said the “500 Days of Summer” star with a coy smile when asked if the project was truly dead. Though not quite a confirmation of anything, it’s a far-cry from his comments last year which didn’t acknowledge any connection to the project whatsoever.

“Akira”, which ran for almost ten years in a serialized format, was famously adapted in 1988 as a feature-length anime, one of the first to have a major impact in the US. News hit last year that Leonardo DiCaprio’s production company, Appian Way, was working on a live-action version to be split between two different films. Gordon-Levitt was rumored to star as Tetsuo, the best friend of the main character, Kaneda, who, after an accident, manifests incredible, godlike, psychic abilities and becomes the story’s chief antagonist.

Though it was rumored for some time that DiCaprio himself might step into Kaneda’s motorcycle boots, the “Titanic” star later made it clear that his only interest was in producing and recent rumors suggest that even that may not happen. Bloody Digusting reported recently that, according to anonymous (and unofficial) sources, director Ruairi Robinson is off the project and that it is, for all intents and purposes, completely dead. Let’s hope that Gordon-Levitt’s response points to more than just wishful thinking.

How do you feel about JGL as Tetsuo? Who fits into your dream casting? Share your picks below!

It has been a year and a half since we broke the news exclusively here on B-D - and about a year since THR confirmed (without credit of course) - that Ruairi Robinson would be making his directorial debut on the live-action adaptation of Akira, a massive two-part apocalypse story that was being produced by Leonardo DiCaprio’s Appian Way and Warner Bros. Pictures. Sad news comes in this weekend as we have learned that not only has Robinson left the project, but Tetsuo and Kaneda’s adventure is “dead as a doornail,” a report we’ve confirmed with two separate sources. I can only hope it gets revived in the near future as this could have been one of the coolest effin’ movies ever.

“Akira” originated in 1988 as a manga and then as an animated film co-written and directed by Katsuhiro Otomo. The story was set in a neon-lit futuristic post-nuclear war “New Tokyo” in 2019 where a teen biker gang member is subjected to a government experiment which unleashes his latent powers. The gang’s leader must find a way to stop the ensuing swathe of destruction.

With its mature themes and cutting-edge animation, “Akira” was a milestone movie in anime and even animation circles, and led the way for anime making inroads into Western pop culture in the 1990s.

The new story was to move the action to “New Manhattan,” a city rebuilt by Japanese money and was to hit theaters THIS summer.

“Akira” would have marked the feature directorial debut for Robinson who was nominated for a best animated short Oscar in 2001 for a sci-fi comedy called “Fifty Percent Grey.” He also wrote and directed a sci-fi short titled “The Silent City” (watch it at BDTV), Robinson is repped by CAA and 3 Arts Entertainment.

Self-professed “big fan of anime” says final Akira script draft is being written

Movie star and producer Leonardo DiCaprio (Titanic, The Assassination of Richard Nixon, The Aviator) told MTV’s Splash Page that his Appian Way production company is waiting for the final script draft for the live-action film version of Katsuhiro Otomo’s Akira manga. He added, “I’m a big fan of Japanese anime — that and another project called Ninja Scroll we’re trying to get developed and made into a movie, and I know there a lot of loyal fans out there of the project and die-hard fans, so we’re going to try to do the best job we possibly can and we’re not going to make the movie until the script is in the right shape.” He also emphasized that he is producing in these two projects, and that he does “not really” have any interest in acting in them.

The Variety entertainment news source reported in February that Warner Brothers and Appian Way had re-licensed the rights to remake Akira from the manga publisher Kodansha. The two companies originally planned to make two films, each of which would cover three volumes of the renowned science-fiction manga about a governmental genetic project and a teenager’s attempt to save a fellow biker gang member. Otomo himself directed a popular 1988 anime film based on his own manga. Variety also reported last month that Warner Brothers and Appian Way had licensed the rights to adapt Yoshiaki Kawajiri’s Ninja Scroll action anime film from the Madhouse anime studio.

Created by Harry Partridge (Happy Harry Toons)
http://www.youtube.com/user/HarryPartridge

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jafd97yJFOI

Leonardo DiCaprioWhile most of Hollywood seems to be focusing on comics made stateside — with even French publishers getting some attention lately — Leonardo DiCaprio has clearly set his sights on Asia.

Already reported here on Splash Page, DiCaprio’s Appian Way production company has been picking up classic heavy-hitters from the world of Japanese manga and anime — most notably “Akira” and “Ninja Scroll” — to develop into live-action feature films. While the news of “Ninja Scroll” is still fresh on the blogs, “Akira” has already made some moves in Hollywood, being picked up by Warner Bros., scooping up Gary Whitta to write the script, and there’s even rumors that Joseph Gordon Levitt will play the role of Tetsuo.

“We’re waiting for the final draft of the script [for ‘Akira’],” DiCaprio told MTV. “I’m a big fan of Japanese anime — that and another project called ‘Ninja Scroll’ we’re trying to get developed and made into a movie, and I know there a lot of loyal fans out there of the project and die-hard fans, so we’re going to try to do the best job we possibly can and we’re not going to make the movie until the script is in the right shape.”

However, for those of you out there hoping to see DiCaprio on Kaneda’s souped up motorcycle in “Akira” or munching on rice balls a la Jubei Kibagami in “Ninja Scroll,” don’t hold your breath. When asked about what his role will be in these properties, DiCaprio made it clear that he’d be producing, and as for as any interest in acting: “No, not really,” he responded.

So talk it up, fellow anime and manga fans out there — are you pumped to see live-action versions of these films in production? Any ideas for lead roles or directors? Let’s get the conversation going in the comments.

[Reporting by Dan Storey, MTV UK]

Joseph Gordon LevittIt’s been quite some time since we’ve heard anything from the live-action “Akira” movie front, ever since it was initially announced earlier this year that Warner Bros. and Leonardo DiCaprio’s Appian Way production company snagged the license to bring the manga-turned-anime classic to the big screen. So at this year’s Toronto Film Festival, MTV managed to catch up with actor Joseph Gordon Levitt, who’s rumored to play the role of Tetsuo.

When asked about the rumor, Levitt responded, “That just goes to show what you can believe about what people write about movies. I love the movie ‘Akira.’ I still have yet to read the manga, but that’s really just a rumor. They don’t have a script or anything.”

So while Levitt doesn’t necessarily say he’s not attached, it looks as though fans of what is arguably “The Godfather” of modern manga/anime properties will have to wait a bit longer before any official word comes out.

Anyone looking forward to a live-action “Akira” film? Or do you think the manga/anime are the end-all-be-all for the Japanese classic? Sound off in the comments!

By Borys Kit

Anime classic “Akira” is getting the live-action big screen treatment courtesy of Leonardo DiCaprio and Warner Bros.

Ruairi Robinson has been hired to direct what would ideally be a two-part epic. Gary Whitta is writing the adaptation, which DiCaprio will produce via his Appian Way shingle. Andrew Lazar is also producing via his Mad Chance shingle. Jennifer Davisson, who heads up Appian, will also be involved in some producorial capacity.

“Akira” originated in 1988 as a manga and then as an animated film co-written and directed by Katsuhiro Otomo. The story was set in a neon-lit futuristic post-nuclear war “New Tokyo” in 2019 where a teen biker gang member is subjected to a government experiment which unleashes his latent powers. The gang’s leader must find a way to stop the ensuing swathe of destruction.

With its mature themes and cutting-edge animation, “Akira” was a milestone movie in anime and even animation circles, and led the way for anime making inroads into Western pop culture in the 1990s.

“Akira” has long been in development at the company, with producers Jon Peters and Basil Iwanyk involved at various times, as well as directors Stephen Norrington and Pitof. The rights lapsed but Warner managed to re-scoop them again for Robinson, who came to the studio with a vision of a two-part adaptation.

The new story moves the action to “New Manhattan,” a city rebuilt by Japanese money.

The studio is eyeing a summer 2009 release for the first movie.

Greg Silverman is overseeing for Warners. Otomo is executive producing. Legendary Pictures is co-financing.

Whitta, repped by UTA and Circle of Confusion, wrote “The Book of Eli,” which the Hughes Brothers are directing for Warners and Silver Pictures.

“Akira” would mark the feature directorial debut for Robinson who was nominated for a best animated short Oscar in 2001 for a sci-fi comedy called “Fifty Percent Grey.” He also wrote and directed a sci-fi short titled “The Silent City.” Robinson is repped by CAA and 3 Arts Entertainment.

Two films planned, with first film scheduled for Summer 2009 release

The Hollywood Reporter and Variety entertainment trade periodicals both report that Warner Brothers and Appian Way, the production company of actor Leonardo DiCaprio (Titanic, The Aviator), will adapt Katsuhiro Otomo’s Akira manga into two live-action films. Each film will cover three volumes of the renowned science-fiction manga about a governmental genetic project and a teenager’s attempt to save a fellow biker gang member.

The manga set in Neo-Tokyo, a city rebuilt after being destroyed in a mysterious explosion. Otomo directed his own animated film adaptation that premiered on July 16, 1988 — the same day that the story has the fictional Tokyo being destroyed. The first live-action film is scheduled for release in the summer of 2009 and will move the story’s setting to “‘New Manhattan,’ a city rebuilt after being destroyed 31 years ago.”

Ireland’s Ruairi Robinson will be making his feature directorial debut with this project, and Gary Whitta (Book of Eli) is writing a script. Warner Brothers once had the film rights for Akira before, but Executive Vice-President Greg Silverman (300, Batman Begins) had to re-acquire them from Kodansha after a round of pitched bidding that reached seven figures. Mad Chance’s Andrew Lazar, DiCaprio, and Appian Way’s Jennifer Davisson will produce. No announcement has been made regarding the cast.

Update: The free version of Hollywood Reporter’s article is now active, and more information about the original manga and anime adaptation have been added.

Update 2: The Hollywood Reporter’s article added a picture of the Akira character from CAPCOM’s Rival School (Rival Gakuen) videogames. This Akira character is entirely unrelated to either Katsuhiro Otomo’s manga or the planned live-action movies. Robinson directed “The Silent City” short with Cillian Murphy (Batman Begins’ Scarecrow) and the Oscar-nominated “Fifty Percent Grey” animated short. Whitta was the editor-in-chief of PC Gamer magazine and the writer of the comic-book adaptation of the Death Jr. videogame.

WB takes franchise turn with ‘Akira’
Studio to adapt graphic novel
By MICHAEL FLEMING

Warner Bros. will turn anime artist Katsuhiro Otomo’s six-volume graphic novel “Akira” into two live-action feature films, the first of which is being fast tracked for release in summer 2009. Legendary will co-finance with WB.

Each feature will be based on three of the books in Otomo’s series. The story takes place in New Manhattan, a metropolis that was rebuilt after being destroyed 31 years earlier. Otomo will exec produce the films.

Graphic novel was first adapted for the bigscreen in 1988 as a popular animated film which Otomo directed.

Studio has closed a seven-figure rights acquisition deal with manga publisher Kodansha and has set Ruairi Robinson to direct a script by Gary Whitta (”Book of Eli”). Andrew Lazar’s Mad Chance will produce with Appian Way’s Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Davisson.

WB had the “Akira” rights several years ago only to let them lapse and then recapture them in a spirited bidding battle.

Robinson, an Irish helmer who has been Oscar nominated for his short film and commercials work, is making his feature debut.

The project was brought in by exec veep Greg Silverman, who has supervised “300” and “Batman Begins.”

Lazar is producer on the WB comedy “Get Smart,” and he’s about to start production on the Jim Carrey starrer “I Love You Phillip Morris” for EuropaCorp.

Appian Way is producing the John Cusack starrer “The Factory” for WB and Dark Castle.

UPDATE: AICN adds that Joseph Gordon Levitt (Brick) will play Tetsuo! It was confirmed this afternoon our breaking news from last October (!) that Ruairi Robinson will direct the live-action adaptation of Akira for Warner Bros. Pictures. THR added a little something extra… Leonardo DiCaprio has been tapped to star in what will be a two-part epic! Read on for the entire story.

The anime classic “Akira” is getting the live-action big screen treatment courtesy of Leonardo DiCaprio and Warner Bros.

Ruairi Robinson has been hired to direct what would ideally be a two-part epic. Gary Whitta is writing the adaptation, which DiCaprio will produce via his Appian Way shingle. Andrew Lazar is also producing via his Mad Chance shingle. Jennifer Davisson, who heads up Appian, will also be involved in some producorial capacity.

“Akira” originated in 1988 as a manga and then as an animated film co-written and directed by Katsuhiro Otomo. The story was set in a neon-lit futuristic post-nuclear war “New Tokyo” in 2019 where a teen biker gang member is subjected to a government experiment which unleashes his latent powers. The gang’s leader must find a way to stop the ensuing swathe of destruction.

With its mature themes and cutting-edge animation, “Akira” was a milestone movie in anime and even animation circles, and led the way for anime making inroads into Western pop culture in the 1990s.

“Akira” has long been in development at the company, with producers Jon Peters and Basil Iwanyk involved at various times, as well as directors Stephen Norrington and Pitof. The rights lapsed but Warner managed to re-scoop them again for Robinson, who came to the studio with a vision of a two-part adaptation.

The new story moves the action to “New Manhattan,” a city rebuilt by Japanese money.

The studio is eyeing a summer 2009 release for the first movie.

Greg Silverman is overseeing for Warners.

Whitta, repped by UTA and Circle of Confusion, wrote “The Book of Eli,” which the Hughes Brothers are directing for Warners and Silver Pictures.

“Akira” would mark the feature directorial debut for Robinson who was nominated for a best animated short Oscar in 2001 for a sci-fi comedy called “Fifty Percent Grey.” He also wrote and directed a sci-fi short titled “The Silent City” (watch it at BDTV), Robinson is repped by CAA and 3 Arts Entertainment.

By Ruairí Robinson - starring Don Wycherley, Cillian Murphy and Garvan McGrath.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GeF-tDhGtvI

After watching this, it looks promising that he could actually do a good job.

One of the greatest post-apocalyptic thrillers ever told was the animated Manga Akira, which saw an announcement wayyyy back in July of 2003 that James Robinson would pen the adaptation with director Steven Norrington. I’m sure this has long passed, but we do have something official that just leaked to us through the grapevine, something that’s going to blow your socks off. We’ve been informed that Warner Bros. Pictures is trying to get Akira off the ground pre-strike and have attached 29-year-old Oscar nominated Irish director Ruairi Robinson! No more details have been revealed other than he directed a mind blowing short film entitled The Silent City, which can be viewed over at BDTV. Watch this spot for more news soon and cross your fingers that this sucker gets rolling ASAP.

The model comes in printable PDF format ready to cut out and build. The bike comes on six A4 pages with one additional page for the stand, as well as a 5 page instruction PDF.

You can download a copy from http://www.paperian.com/webdude/guest.htm

For a detailed look at the bikes construction visit http://webduderick.blogspot.com/2005_10_01_archive.html

Time lapse video of the bike’s construction.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=050k8KX9yw0

In an interview with French website Télérama, Katsuhiro Otomo has stated that Pitof, the director of Catwoman, is set to direct the live action adaptation of Akira.

‘League’ team to tackle live-action Japanimation pic

Warner Bros. Pictures will produce a live-action, English-language remake of Japan’s anime classic “Akira.”

Stephen Norrington, who has just wrapped “The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen,” has reteamed with “League” screenwriter James Robinson to develop the project. Jon Peters will produce.

Released in 1988, “Akira” was the brainchild of Katsuhiro Otomo, who directed the film and wrote the comic from which it stemmed.

The remake will tell the story of a bike gang leader who must rescue his younger brother from his involvement in Akira, a secret government project. In the process, the biker must do battle with anti-government activists, greedy politicians and irresponsible scientists.

Robinson told Daily Variety that he came to the project after Norrington had been developing the idea with Warners execs Lionel Wigram and Dan Lin, but had yet to find a take they liked.

“I’ve been a fan of the anime for many years and understood which elements would have to be brought to a live-action translation of it,” said the Endeavor-repped Robinson, who also wrote and directed “Comic Book Villains” for Lions Gate Films. “I’ve tried to retain as many iconic elements of the anime as possible.” Robinson is now fine-tuning a producer’s draft.

Twentieth Century Fox’s “League” also has its roots in animation, with Robinson adapting it from Alan Moore and Kevin O’Neill’s comic book series. That pic is set in a version of Victorian-era England, where fictional characters like Dr. Jekyll, Capt. Nemo and Allan Quartermain actually exist and band together to fight crime for the queen.

Peters is currently busy ironing the red cape for “Superman,” which he is producing for Warners.