Warner Brothers' problems getting their live-action take on the classic manga, Akira, may finally be over. After what seemed like an eternity of headaches springing from casting disputes between the studio and the original director, Albert Hughes, the filmmaker eventually skipped out and was replaced by Jaume Collet-Serra(Orphan). But that was just part of the problem. It still seemed like nobody wanted to star in the film, which saw multiple names(James Franco, Zac Efron, Keanu Reeves!!??) approached only to turn it down.
Through an oddball shortlist of names for the lead role of Kaneda, which included guys like Chris Pine, Michael Fassbender, and Joaquin Phoenix, a front runner has emerged in Tron: Legacy star Garrett Hedlund. Hedlund is obviously no stranger to big sci-fi epics, and is closer in age to the youthful rebel leader Kaneda than guys like Fassbender and Phoenix.
Warner Brothers hopes for filming to kick off early next year, as the pieces are starting to come together pretty fast now. The role of Tetsuo, who eventually becomes the all-powerful government experiment who wrecks New Manhattan, is still being circled by James McAvoy, Robert Pattinson, and Andrew Garfield. Final touches on the script were provided by Steve Kloves(Harry Potter), so even if you're one of those who hopes this entire project crumbles at least the writing should be solid. Right? Ok, I hope it dies too. But it won't, so let's just suck it up and hope for the best. [Variety]
