Despite most right-minded people yelling, nooooooo! It cant be done! or Nooooooo! It shouldnt be done! or even Noooooo! It cant, and shouldnt be done!, Warner Bros. is pressing ahead with plans to turn the anime classic, Akira the manga film for those who cant stand manga into a live-action American film.
And, following the modern trend of Tintin, The Hobbit and the new Terminator movies, all of which have announced franchises before anyones even paid money to see the first movie, theyve actually decided to turn it into two films.
The studio announced today that, under the auspices of Irish first-time director Ruairi Robinson who was appointed last year the live-action Akira will be based on Katsuhiro Otomos six-volume graphic novel, instead of his 1988 animated movie, with each movie comprising three parts.
The movies, which the filmmakers describe as Blade Runner meets City Of God (far more reassuring than, say, Blades Of Glory meets City Of Industry), have been relocated to the States as well, with the action taking place in New Manhattan, a vast conurbation that has risen from the ashes of New York, 31 years after it was destroyed in a nuclear attack.
The first movie is now being fast-tracked for a summer 2009 release, with scripts written by Gary Whitta.
Theres no casting as yet, but were intrigued to see that Leonardo DiCaprios production company, Appian Way, is on board, with Leo and Jennifer Davisson on producing duties, along with Andrew Lazars Mad Chance. Of course, DiCaprios involvement as producer doesnt necessarily mean that hell be involved as an actor, especially given that hes currently working on Scorseses Asheville. But there may also be no smoke without fire
As for the movie(s) it(them)self(ves), we'd be the first to put the original Akira, and the graphic novel, on a big list of unfilmable properties. But we wish Robinson all the best - with Warner Bros. and a big sack of cash behind him, he's got a chance at least.
The Manag inspired so many films it's unreal. If you like any sort of sci-fi then give it a go. But to be honest, I'm not seeing how this will work. It'll cost a fortune. And it'll probably be an adult film. I just can't see it being successful. Also films that complex aren't made today. Certainly not as big budget blockbusters. Two films sounds like a good start though.
And, following the modern trend of Tintin, The Hobbit and the new Terminator movies, all of which have announced franchises before anyones even paid money to see the first movie, theyve actually decided to turn it into two films.
The studio announced today that, under the auspices of Irish first-time director Ruairi Robinson who was appointed last year the live-action Akira will be based on Katsuhiro Otomos six-volume graphic novel, instead of his 1988 animated movie, with each movie comprising three parts.
The movies, which the filmmakers describe as Blade Runner meets City Of God (far more reassuring than, say, Blades Of Glory meets City Of Industry), have been relocated to the States as well, with the action taking place in New Manhattan, a vast conurbation that has risen from the ashes of New York, 31 years after it was destroyed in a nuclear attack.
The first movie is now being fast-tracked for a summer 2009 release, with scripts written by Gary Whitta.
Theres no casting as yet, but were intrigued to see that Leonardo DiCaprios production company, Appian Way, is on board, with Leo and Jennifer Davisson on producing duties, along with Andrew Lazars Mad Chance. Of course, DiCaprios involvement as producer doesnt necessarily mean that hell be involved as an actor, especially given that hes currently working on Scorseses Asheville. But there may also be no smoke without fire
As for the movie(s) it(them)self(ves), we'd be the first to put the original Akira, and the graphic novel, on a big list of unfilmable properties. But we wish Robinson all the best - with Warner Bros. and a big sack of cash behind him, he's got a chance at least.
The Manag inspired so many films it's unreal. If you like any sort of sci-fi then give it a go. But to be honest, I'm not seeing how this will work. It'll cost a fortune. And it'll probably be an adult film. I just can't see it being successful. Also films that complex aren't made today. Certainly not as big budget blockbusters. Two films sounds like a good start though.
