Possible Casting & Synopsis Revealed for AKIRA Live-Action Adaption

A new report for the forthcoming adaptation of Katsuhiro Otomo's classic manga names four additions to it's cast and a story layout very different from what fans may expect.

Akira, a live-action sci-fi adaptation of the popular manga, has been in development for some time under Leonardo DiCaprio's film company Appian Way with Mark Fergus and Hawk Ostby (Children of Men) having written the script. Warner Bros recently picked up the project with a revised budget of $90 million and directer Jaume Collett-Serra (Unknown) will be at the helm. Garrett Hedlund (Tron: Legacy) has landed film's lead role Kaneda, while no other actors have officially been revealed.

According to casting outlet Acting Auditions, the recent pairing rumors of Kristen Stewart as Ky, Ken Watanabe as The Colonel, and Helena Bonham Carter as Lady Miyako are true and the film's synopsis is as follows:

"Kaneda is a bar owner in Neo-Manhattan who is stunned when his brother, Tetsuo, is abducted by government agents led by The Colonel. Desperate to get his brother back, Kaneda agrees to join with Ky Reed and her underground movement who are intent on revealing to the world what truly happened to New York City thirty years ago when it was destroyed. Kaneda believes their theories to be ludicrous but after finding his brother again, is shocked when he displays telekinetic powers.

"Ky believes Tetsuo is headed to release a young boy, Akira, who has taken control of Tetsuo’s mind. Kaneda clashes with The Colonel’s troops on his way to stop Tetsuo from releasing Akira but arrives too late. Akira soon emerges from his prison courtesy of Tetsuo as Kaneda races in to save his brother before Akira once again destroys Manhattan island, as he did thirty years ago."

No production or theatrical release dates have been set for Akira, though Warner Bros is quickly moving forward with the project.