Robert Pattinson, Andrew Garfield, James McAvoy, Chris Pine, Justin Timberlake, More Read for AKIRA | Collider

akira-slice-01

The live-action remake of Akira is on its way, folks, thanks in large part to the pen of Steve Kloves (the Harry Potter series). Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures are reportedly very pleased with Kloves’ rewrite and eager to get Akira in front of cameras in August. Recent casting rumors have been all over the place for the teenage main characters Kaneda and Tetsuo: from Zac Efron (23) to James Franco (32) to Brad Pitt (47). The implication has been that the studio is seeking a “massive star” to anchor the film, which apparently leads to some leeway in the agery. Deadline lists the actors that have received a script from the studio:

For Tetsuo: Robert Pattinson, Andrew Garfield, James McAvoy

For Kaneda: Garrett Hedlund, Michael Fassbender, Chris Pine, Justin Timberlake, Joaquin Phoenix

The Hughes brothers (Book of Eli) are on board to direct Akira, which adapts Katsuhiro Otomo’s 6-volume manga. The plan is to make two films, each of which covers three books in the series, as producer Andrew Lazar told us last summer. Hit the jump for more information on the project and background on the story.

Here’s the synopsis for Volume 1 of the manga:

Akira is set in the post-apocalypse Neo-Tokyo of 2019, a vast metropolis built on the ashes of a Tokyo annihilated by an apocalyptic blast of unknown power that triggered World War III. The lives of two streetwise teenage friends, Tetsuo and Kaneda, change forever when dormant paranormal abilities begin to waken in Tetsuo, who becomes a target for a shadowy government operation, a group who will stop at nothing to prevent another catastrophe like that which leveled Tokyo. And at the core of their motivation is a raw, all-consuming fear: a fear of someone — or something — of unthinkably monstrous power known only as… Akira. And Akira is about to rise! [Amazon]

See: “teenage friends.” I didn’t make that up. This shortlist skews relatively young, but the age still maxes out 36. Hmm.

And really, take the union of the various shortlists that pop up every time a studio is casting the lead of a franchiseable property. It’s depressingly homogeonous. The property centers on Japanese teenagers, so naturally the studio turned to the same pool of pretty white people ages 22-36. I like a lot of these guys, and will probably see the Andrew Garfield/Justin Timberlake version of Akira because I appreciate an adaptation that isn’t slave to the source material… but not without a bit of self-loathing.

(To their credit, Deadline put vaguely worded version of their journalistic reputation on the line: “The two leads are expected to come from that group of actors.”)

Warner and Legendary bought the rights to Akira two years ago for a seven-figure sum, and they’ve deliberated long to get it right. The story is tough, but the property is marketable and the potential reward is (at least) two films’ worth of success. With the Harry Potter series signing off soon, Warner Bros. is looking for movies that will fill that tentpole void. The DC Comics superheros will do most of the heavy lifting, but Akira will keep the petty cash flowing. Hopefully — and all cynicism aside, there is every possibility that this happens — we get a pair of awesome sci-fi films in the process.

akira_movie_image

Chaster

Well, this just sucks!

Don’t get me wrong; Michael Fassbender, Chris Pine, Andrew Garfield, James McAvoy, and may’be Garrett Hedlund are all great actors but I just don’t want to them in this disrespectful adaptation of an anime classic.
- Shima
  
  First of all, this a film for U.S. audiences (first and foremost). It has to appeal to a “general audience” whether it’s rated R (which it should be) or not.
  
  So using “Kaneda” and “Tetsuo” in the dialogue is going to be seen as strange by anyone who is not familiar with the manga or anime film, which is the majority of the world.
  
  They’re sticking to the manga for their script. Nice. They’re not trying to cram the entire story into one film. NICE. The possibility of Chris Pine as whatever name is used for “Kaneda” and James McAvoy as whatever name is used for “Tetsuo.” NICE!
  
  Story is king, and the script for this is going in a good direction. All I know is that I better see gory telekinetic implosions, and Tetsuo transforming into a destructive amoeba at the end of film two.
Alex

I hope they realize that, if they cast Robert Pattinson, they will be limiting their audience to Twilight fans…
- Aaron
  
  Considering that’s an ardent $2B fanbase, I don’t think appealing to them would be seen as a negative.
Michael

Prince of Persia: Japan? No thanks.
Last Whitebender? No thanks.
What a joke this is turning out to be. I never knew that Tetsuo and Akira were white names.
I can only hope that this movie flops, and flops immensely. But I was hoping the same with M. Night Shyamalan’s Last Airbender movie, and despite receiving horrific reviews (well-deserved, I may add), it still made more than 100 million dollars at the box office.
overtninja

it’s kind of sad that hollywood stubbornly refuses to cast asian characters as asians, but even with that said, so long as they don’t cast 30+ year-olds as the main characters they might have something here. if they do, they kind of ruin the entire not-yet-adults dealing with supernatural mind powers in a post-apocalypse thing that is kind of the major point of both the original comic and the movie.

it should be noted that this seems to be based off the books, which is the only reason i’d be interested in the first place. it’s kind of hipsterish to say so, but the books really are way better than the movie, simply by virtue of the scope of the story told and the significant differences in that story between the book and the film adaptation.
- aaronsullivan
  
  The interesting thing about Katsuhiro Otomo’s artwork is that he trends towards a more realistic look in his characters. So much so that the typical Anime exaggerations aren’t as apparent. In other words the characters look East Asian to non-Asians.
  
  The animation was also somewhat groundbreaking at the time because they strove to do actual lip-syncing to pre-recorded audio. (That’s how it is always done elsewhere). Again, this makes it more authentic to the culture it was representing.
  
  As pointed out above all the character names are distinctly Japanese and the name of the film, Akira is of a japanese character.
  
  The movie is SO steeped in Japanese culture that it’s part of the draw of the movie. It’s commentary ON Japanese culture, as well.
  
  It just feels wrong to call this new movie Akira to begin with.
  
  There’s plenty of good material to work with from the Manga, which is good. I was originally of the mind that this was based on the movie. So, that’s good.
  
  Feels wrong though. I guess if you twist it around enough into a future overtaken by Asian culture (a la Blade Runner) and make NYC feel like a crazy different Neo NYC, you could start to get on the right track and make it passable. If it’s also clever enough to make a different point with a commentary on a different society, maybe I could like it. *sigh*.
  
  Airbender… I won’t go into. I’ll just say the race accusations towards that movie are mostly vacuous. Obviously, it had other major problems.
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Razalian

Why can’t they just leave it to the Asians? Like, how the Harry Potter films, were mainly British Actors.
tina

Rob in this? As a Rob fan, I have to say this would be the first movie with him i wouldn’t want to see. I hate this kind of movies.
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The Dark Knight

How can they even consider Robert Pattinson and the Hughes brothers are not worhty of directing this movie, they should stick to smoking their marijuana at home that they love so much…
Jay

Its a shame there making this in the first place. The anime was one of the best movies I’ve ever seen, i think it worked so well as an animated feature. i would rather see them doing a new animated interpretation of the material then do what they appear to be doing here. Unfortunately, barring some major f-up, I’m still gonna see this and hope for the best. Adios Akira, at least we’ll always have the anime

P.S. Dreamworks owns the rights to Ghost in the Shell so kiss that goodbye as well
cara

I like the Pattinson Phoenix combination or Pattinson Hedland combo. Most of the others are far too old even Phoenix really. Actors in their 30′s shouldnt be up for roles that really have a teen vibe to them. I detest the god awful Timberlake so hope he doesnt get a role. Isnt he buddies with Leo(the film’s producer)
ringbearer1420

Most of these actors are to old and duche bags.
EFGOVER2000

Calm down fanboys!!! Pattinson has talent, he just started his career with some bad choices. I hope Water for Elephants will show that.
- Terri
  
  People seem to forget that Twilight was not expected to be as big as it became. It was originally an independent movie. Rob was totally unaware of what was to come and how he will for some time be seen as only Edward Cullen by many and not the fine actor that he is. Check out his pre-Twilight movies. He definitely has a future. And if you have read the Twilight books, Rob plays Edward exactly as he should. Yes, I am a Twilight fan but more importantly I am a Rob fan. That man is a fresh face in Hollywood. Something we need more of.
  - ggpthg
    
    I am not a Robert Patterson hater or anything, but do think he needs to build up a serious acting resume and hone his craft before taking on a project like this.
Ryan

Garfield/Timberlake or Garfield/Franco would be one heck of a good combo.

But as to why they haven’t contacted a proper Asian actor is beyond me, Lee Byung Hun – from A Bittersweet Life/I Saw the Devil/G.I. Joe – would be pitch perfect in either role.
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anonymous

Such a shame. not that I would expect any better from hollywood, but still.

they should drop this and use their money for something better, like a Boku no Pico live-action movie.
1knight

Here’s a crazy idea. Why not have the film set in a place called Neo Tokyo it can be made in 3D. The sets can all be green/blue screen. So you don’t have to go to Japan to film. Have a cast of Asian Americans, some may not be Japanise but that never stopped anyone from casting a white dude before. And actuly make AKIRA.
Anyone who’s read the manga knows that Akira really is the story of Japan after World War 2 not America. There are many great Asian American actors that would love to show the world what they can do so why not give them that chance to prove themselves? You could even have some that are half white half Asian seen as the target audience won’t relate to an all Asian cast will be used at some point.

I’d really like to see an AKIRA film. TV mini serise would be better based on the Manga, (the manga is 100 times better than the Anime film) I just worry whenever i hear things like “we’ll call him Travis”

Can’t say i’m expecting much from this. Will i go see it? Yes beacuse i love AKIRA. I guess i’ll just have to except whats in front of me and remember the greatness of manga.
anon

how about a evangelion movie? we’ll get pattinson to play shinji (sean), natalie portman as asuka (saskia), some down syndrome girl as rei (ria), and anthony hopkins to play Gendo (Gene)

great plan, no?
Rolento

John Cho as Kaneda and Aaron Yoo (asian dude from Disturbia) as Tetsuo. Problem Solved!
- gorehound
  
  Yeah, how about we choose Asian actors that actually fit their respective roles.
  - Rolento
    
    Relax, just joking around bro…
Your mom

We all know it will not be true to the original, but come on guys. The Hughes Brothers/Akira story/good actors…this is going to be a sweet movie. You have to admit. I, for one, am excited.
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Cypher

Ok so I’m a bit of a fan boy, so I’m not particularly objective. But I’d agree that casting asian actors would be the smartest thing to do. It would avoid a fiasco like The Last Airbender. (shudders)

If they’re going to “reboot” or “reimagine” it for US audiences, then call the movie “Bob” and have the two main characters be Frank and Steve. Then cast whatever white actor you want. Otherwise the studio is just asking for trouble…
chief

SHIT SHIT NOOOOOOOOOOOO I WANT JOSEPH GORDON LEWITT IS TESTUO AND NO ADATPE NNEWS ACTORS FOR KANEDA ABOUT ACTOR JAPAN
chief

HI NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO I KNEW ABOUT ONE AND TWO ACTORS RE BEST WHY AKIRA IF THEM WILL DON T LIKING IT S SURE AND I NOT AGREE THEM ON KANEDA VS TESTUO ,ABOUT CHARACTERS , BUT I WANTED JOSEPH GORDON LEWWIT FOR TESTUO , WHO SAY PREMISSON ????SHIT I KNOW REMAKED AKIRA IT WAS START 2007 OR 08 , IT WAS THAT ACTOR ‘S PRODUCTION WHO FOUND ONE IDEE FOR ABOUT AKIRA , I HAVE NO QUESTION ON NEWS ACTORS FOR AKIRA , IF AKIRA WILL CAN BE BAD MOVIE BECAUSE THEM NOT RE ADAPTE ROLES BY ACTORS , TOP TWO ROLES RE ALONE WHIT LEADER ‘S TEAM AND OTHER TEAM FOR TESTUO TOO , I KNEW I WAIT BEEN FROM 2008 YEAR , I DON T UNDERSTAND THEM ON KANEDA VS TESTUO I DON T LIKE THEM , MOVIE MUST BE BEST BECAUSE TWO ACTORS RE PLAYING GOOD BUT IF “TOP ACTORS “DON T GO AT WB FOR REMAKE AKIRA , CAN BE REGRET! I MUST WAIT BUT CAN T BE AND IT MEANS SHIT SHIT FOR REMAKE AKIRA ABOUT KANEDA AND TESTUO I NEVER GIVE Robert Pattinson, Andrew Garfield, James McAvoy, Garrett Hedlund, Michael Fassbender, Chris Pine, Justin Timberlake, Joaquin Phoenix OK!
chief

I NEVER GIVE THEM FOR KANEDA VS TESTUO SHIT WHO SAY PERMISSION ,,,????????? TWILILGHT AND TRON AND SPIDERMAN AND
TWO LOVERS AND X MEN AND SINGER RE NOT IN AKIRA IT S ESAY YU THINK WHAT I TOLD AT COLLIDER OR DIRECTOR BROS HUGHES AND IT MEANS ALONE : JOSEPH GORDON LEWITT IS TESTUO , YU REAALY DON T KNOW ABOUT ARTWORKER BY JAPANSESE ARTWORKERS , BUT I KNEW FIRST REMAKE MOVIE TALKED DEBUT 2007 SINCE YEARS BUT ONE ALONE KNEW HIM HAD FIRST HIS IDEA BY …….. PROPOSED WHO FOR REMAKE AKIRA AND TOP TWO ACTORS LIKE PRECIOUS CHARACTERS FOR KANEDA VS TESTUO , MOVIE IS VERT DIFFFUCLT FILM FOR AKIRA , STYLES TOOO , AKIRA DONT HAVE BE WRONG ON MOVIE ! NO QUESTION THEM ON ROLE OF …….. I DON T UNDERSTAND THIS INTO THE MOMENT I KNOW ABOUT AKIRA YU KNOW YU DID ????? IF I AM ARTWORKER SAME OTOMO ETC….. BUT JUST AMAZIN , AKIRA IS ONE NUMBER OF COURSE ROBERT AND ANDREW AND JUSTIN WANTS WHY ????? THEM REALLY DONT KNOW ABOUT THIS ,BECAUSE TITRE OF AKIRA IS TOP , SAME DEBUT TWILIGTH EXEMPLE NOT IS AKIRA ,,,, LOVER HAHAHHA THAT LIL PUNKKKKKK , CAN T BE THEM ON AKIRA I CANNOT BE BELIEVE ABOUT JOSEPH GORDON LEWITT HIM IS TESTUO BUT ABOUT KANEDA SHITTTTTT THEM HAVE LOT OF PROJECT FILMS IN 2011 TO 2014 , WHAT THEM D LIKE TALK ABOUT AKIRA , WHAT PUNK KIND OF …. IS KANEDA AND TESTUO ? GIRLS LOVES HIM SHIT WHY AKIRA ???? ROBERT IS PRECIOUS ROMANCE ON AKIRA I COANNOT BELEIVE , JOSEPH GORDON LEWITT IS DEBUT STAR AN ACTOR BUT HE IS GOOD YOUNG ACTOR AND SIMPLE PERSONNE AND HE CAN PLAYER THE ROLE TESTUO , INJUST WHY THEM ????? NO QUESTION REMAKE AKIRA BECAUSEEEEEE……
- Santiago
  
  Dude … just take a chill pill.
John Lambert

Unfortunately the budget required to really do this film justice would require at least a few big name stars and in order to justify such a budget they would need to transform a work of art into a crappy summer blockbuster in vein of Dragon Ball Evolution. However there is no reason why they can’t cast older actors in the parts of older characters. However I believe that at the very least the part of Tetsuo should be given to a talented unknown who ACTUALLY IS A TEENAGER. I have nothing against Robert Pattinson in the role of perhaps Ryu the terrorist leader. The actor who plays Kaneda doesn’t need to famous either but being under the age of twenty one couldn’t hurt. The big mystery is why this movie needs to be made at all. The original anime film is a classic and it would be great for mainstream audiences to be open minded enough to watch film not set in America or England, not in live action and certainly not containing millions of dollars worth of CGI which makes the movie so unrealistic and animated that you may as well be watching a cartoon. Sadly everything MUST be Americanised and we can’t expect to much from our fellow moviegoers.
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kkkkkkkk

USA sux a lot

AKIRA Shortlist: Robert Pattinson, Andrew Garfield, James McAvoy, Garrett Hedlund, Michael Fassbender, Chris Pine, Justin Timberlake, Joaquin Phoenix

by Brendan Bettinger Posted: March 21st, 2011 at 10:13 pm

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