Long-awaited ‘Akira’ Adaptation Delayed as Warner Bros. Relinquishes Rights

The long-awaited live-action adaptation of Japanese sci-fi classic Akira faces further delays as Warner Bros. relinquishes the movie rights. These rights have since returned to Kodansha, the original manga publisher, with various producers and talents lining up to take on the postapocalyptic cyberpunk story.

– Warner Bros. has relinquished the movie rights for “Akira” after two decades of failed attempts to launch the live-action take on this post-apocalyptic cyberpunk saga.
– The rights now revert back to Kodansha, the original manga publisher, attracting interest from several producers, actors, studios and streamers.
– The adaptation faced challenges over the years including budgetary issues, cultural clashes and whitewashing accusations, despite coming close to production several times.

Over twenty years of attempting to create a live-action rendition of Japanese sci-fi masterwork Akira seems to have come to an end for Warner Bros., as they have released the movie rights.

These rights have now transferred back to Kodansha, the original manga publisher of the postapocalyptic cyberpunk tale penned by Katsuhiro Otomo in 1982. It has been revealed that producers and creative talent are eagerly lining up to associate with the franchise, in a bid to put forward proposals to selected studios and streaming services.

Originally debuting as a ground-breaking manga series that spanned the 1980s, Akira is globally recognized for its quintessential 1988 anime. This marked a pivotal point for adult animation and Japanese culture, reaching audiences worldwide.

In 2002, the movie rights were procured by Warners, and an adaptation was scheduled to be directed by Blade movie maker, Stephen Norrington, with Jon Peters as producer.

The following years proved to be a tortuous development journey for Hollywood, with Warner Bros. pouring millions, reaching into eight-figure sums, over the subsequent two decades. Norrington’s adaptation project didn’t flourish, and after several years, Legendary was enlisted for co-financing.

The project then faced challenges around the budget, cultural issues (resulting in a shift from Neo Tokyo to New Manhattan), amidst criticisms of whitewashing. Despite its multiple ventures into preproduction, the project was brought to a standstill in 2012 when Warner Bros. decided to close its production offices in Vancouver to reevaluate the situation.

In 2017, Taika Waititi was brought on board to assist with writing and directing. Despite making progress, including acquiring California film tax credits, a release date, and plans for a Japanese cast, the project hit a standstill yet again due to Waititi’s other commitments.

Akira unfolds the story of a teen, Tetsuo, who, upon discovering his extraordinary telekinetic powers, poses a threat to the world. His childhood friend and gang leader, Kaneda, seems to be the only one capable of stopping him.

The movie rights to other high-profile properties have also come onto the marketplace this year. For instance, the rights to horror classic Texas Chainsaw Massacre and the Jason Bourne spy stories, which previously belonged to Universal, are also now available.