After being completely suspended in 2012, it seems like plans for the Akira live action movie are finally moving forward again. The Warner Brothers movie will be a Hollywood retelling of the 1988 cult anime classic, with original writer and director Katsuhiro Ohtomo acting as executive producer. This will perhaps assuage some fans’ fears that Hollywood will turn the dark, complex narrative into just another generic guns-and-explosions blockbuster.

The story is set in a dystopian Neo-Tokyo, and revolves around teenager biker Tetsuo Shima and his psychic abilities. There has been no news on whether the Hollywood remake will keep to the Asian roots of the story, or try to transplant it into an American setting so as to be more palatable for US audiences.

Jaume Collet-Serra (Unknown, Orphan) is currently in negotiations to come back on board as director. However, it’s still not sure whether or not Garrett Hedlund, who was cast as the lead back in 2012, will be returning.

Currently little more is known other than the news that the project is starting up again, but we’ll be sure to keep you updated with any new tidbits that come our way.

Source: allcinema