"Akira" Live-Action Film | James Franco In Talks For Lead Role

**Ixion** · 02-13-2011

http://www.digitalspy.com/movies/new...ion-akira.html

James Franco is reportedly in talks to take on the lead role in the upcoming live action adaptation of Akira.

According to JustJared, Franco is interested in playing the film's lead character Kaneda, a biker gang leader who is forced to stop his best friend Tetsuo after he undergoes a horrifying transformation.

The Book Of Eli director Albert Hughes is attached to direct the project, which will be an adaptation of Katsuhiro Otomo's six-volume manga epic.

Earlier this month, it was reported that Franco was also in talks to replace Robert Downey Jr in Sam Raimi's The Wizard Of Oz prequel as the film's titular character.

This "adaptation" will be set in Neo-Manhattan, where Japan builds a city on the island of Manhattan, so the story will involve both American and Japanese characters.

That's worrying, but at least they're taking their casting seriously.

**Firefox** · 02-13-2011

I've never heard of Akira, thanks for letting me know! It seems like it's worth checking out.

I've read in the comments to this video that you'd have to read the Manga to truly appreciate the story.

**Ixion** · 02-14-2011

I've only seen parts of it, but it's widely considered to be the best Anime film ever made.

**x_terna** · 02-14-2011

Originally Posted by Ixion

but it's widely considered to be the best Anime film ever made.

Yup, Its what kicked off anime.

**RedDragon7** · 02-14-2011

I own the movie on Blu-ray. Such an incredible feat in animation in general. The art direction is great, and the story is intense with some cool action no less.

I don't see Franco as the biker kid though, Efron or JGL are my choice. As long as Efron can have some edge.

The biggest problem though is the director. The Book of Eli wasn't that good, least of all its composited backgrounds which were obvious most of the time.

**DarkVincent07** · 02-14-2011

Akira is amazing. I have no idea that it was even going to be made as a live-action movie. That could be great!

I might watch Akira tonight, I havent seen it for yearrrssss

**Firefox** · 02-14-2011

Haven't watched the full anime but judging from the trailer Chris Pine would suit the role well? Guess he's old but he looks young.

Garrett Hedlund from TRON: Legacy would fit as well? I think I am just shooting out recent young actors who've been on motorcycles in films.

**HellsJester** · 02-14-2011

Akira is what got me into anime.
Completely blew my mind when i was a kid.
No interest in live action movie though.

**LibertyCap89** · 02-17-2011

Akira is the best film ever. I remember putting it off for a while because it looked old, I've watched it many times since.
It'll be interesting but I doubt it'll top the anime.