While many had hoped the idea of a live action version of Akira had died when the film fell off the fast-track and into development limbo, it’s gaining traction again with the Hughes Brothers planning to directing, overtures made to potential cast members and now Variety reports that Steve Kloves has been brought in to work on the script (taking over from Albert Torres).
While not exactly a household name, Kloves has been instrumental in the Harry Potter franchise, having handled the script for all but one of the movies (he didn’t write Order Of The Phoenix, but did all the rest). Now that the Potter flicks have finished shooting, Kloves in much in demand, and has worked on the screenplay for the likes of The Amazing Spider-man, and now he’s taking on Akira.
Rumours have been running rampant concerning Akira in the last couple of weeks, with reports that the likes of James Franco, Mila Kunis and Brad Pitt have all been offered roles, but the only seemingly firm bit of info is that Kloves is working on the script. Many would like to see a live action Akira abadoned, and it is tough to see how they’ll do it without completely disintegrating the original manga/anime – particularly the ending, which is more than a bit bizarre.