Two decades, multiple directors, millions of dollars, and not a single scene filmed. After years trying to get off the ground the live-action adaptation of
Akira,
a
Warner Bros.
finally gave up,
reports The Hollywood Reporter.
The Hollywood giant chose not to renew the licensing contract for the work, and the project’s rights now return to the hands of the Japanese publisher Kodansha, responsible for the original manga.
The announcement marks the end of one of the biggest sagas in the film industry involving Japanese works. And although this does not necessarily mean the definitive end of the dream of seeing a realistic Neo-Tokyo on the big screen, the road ahead remains long and uncertain.
Renewed interests: race for
Akira
can restart with new players
According to sources of
The Hollywood Reporter
, there is considerable interest in the project from both traditional studios and streaming platforms. Artists and producers would be eager to get involved, which gives Kodansha room to restart negotiations with more creative control and less external interference.
No names have been confirmed yet, but it’s speculated that meetings with studios and services such as Netflix, Prime Video, and Apple TV+ are already on the Japanese publisher’s radar.
From the animated revolution to the problematic backstage: the legacy of
Akira
Originally released as a manga in 1982,
Akira
only gained global recognition in 1988 with the animated feature film directed by Katsuhiro Otomo. The film became a watershed moment not only for Japanese animation but for world cinema as well—combining an unprecedented visual aesthetic with a dense, dystopian, and thought-provoking plot.
The impact was so great that in 2002, Warner acquired the rights to turn the work into a blockbuster with live actors. The first name considered to direct was Stephen Norrington, who was then in high demand after
Blade
. But the failure of your next project,
The Extraordinary League
, compromised its prestige and paralyzed the plan.
Disappointments, reboots and Leonardo DiCaprio: the never-ending saga of the adaptation
Warner repeatedly tried to revive the project. Over the years, people such as Ruairi Robinson, Jaume Collet-Serra, and even Leonardo DiCaprio (as producer) were involved. Nothing actually moved forward. The most recent concrete effort came in 2017, with Taika Waititi taking on directing duties. Castings were even held in Japan, and a release date—April 2021—was announced.
But, once again, reality knocked on the door: Waititi’s other commitments, including
Thor: Love and Thunder
interrupted the schedule. The project was shelved and has shown no signs of life since then.
And now? Future of the live-action of
Akira
indefinite segue, but not buried
The return of rights to Kodansha is not just an ending — it is also an opportunity for a fresh start. With the growth of streaming platforms and the demand for high-impact global productions,
Akira
can finally find the ideal creative and strategic environment to thrive. But for now, fans will have to wait — again.
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