After more than two decades of stalled development, Warner Bros. has officially dropped its live-action adaptation of Akira, returning the film rights to the manga’s original Japanese publisher, Kodansha.
The highly anticipated project, once spearheaded by Thor: Ragnarok and Jojo Rabbit director Taika Waititi, is now confirmed to be shelved indefinitely. Waititi had been attached to direct since 2019, promising a faithful adaptation of Katsuhiro Otomo’s iconic manga with a cast of Asian or Asian-American actors. The project was even given a release date of May 21, 2021, before being indefinitely delayed due to Waititi’s growing schedule, including commitments to Thor: Love and Thunder and an upcoming Star Wars film.
Despite multiple attempts to revive the adaptation since Warner Bros. acquired the rights in 2002, the studio failed to bring the film into production. Now, following the expiration of the film rights, the studio has relinquished control and returned them to Kodansha.
Kodansha is expected to shop the property to new potential partners, which could include streamers, Japanese studios, or global production companies.
Background:
The live-action Akira has long been labeled “cursed” in Hollywood, with numerous directors including Jordan Peele, the Hughes Brothers, and even Leonardo DiCaprio’s Appian Way production company previously involved. Each attempt ultimately fell apart, often due to budget issues, creative differences, or cultural concerns over the feasibility of adapting Akira‘s deeply rooted Japanese narrative for a Western audience.
Industry Reaction:
The news has been met with a mix of relief and skepticism from fans, many of whom have long believed the cyberpunk classic is best left untouched or adapted by Japanese filmmakers themselves.
