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Akira Live Action Movie Update [Update May 29]

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Mar 22, 2011 11:59 PM
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According to Deadline New York, the live action movie adaptation of Otomo Katsuhiro’s Akira, has finally begun to take shape. The script, which had been successfully rewritten by Steve Kloves (Harry Potter films), has now been sent to a list of actors.

For the role of Tetsuo, prospective actors include: Robert Pattinson, Andrew Garfield, and James McAvoy.
For the role of Kaneda, actors include: Garrett Hedlund, Michael Fassbender, Chris Pine, Justin Timberlake, and Joaquin Phoenix.

Plot according to Deadline New York: "The story takes place in the rebuilt New Manhattan where a leader of a biker gang saves his friend from a medical experiment."

According Chris Beveridge on Mania.com, "Do keep in mind that this is a heavily localized and adapted film, going into a New York setting, and it's very likely that they're upping the ages of the characters, which is a given going by the names used here, so don't expect the original story ideas revolving around youth, revolt and social pressures to be played out the same."

Sources: Deadline New York, Mania.com
Previous related topic: Hughes Brothers Revive Akira Live Action Movie Project

Update on May 29th
According to Deadline, director Albert Hughes has left the Hollywood movie adaptation of Akira. Their report states that the departure is due to "amicable creative differences" and that Warners Bros intends to find a new director quickly since they want to "keep the picture on a fast track".

Source: Deadline
NaruleachMay 29, 2011 1:29 AM
p r o f i l e 👀
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Mar 23, 2011 12:01 AM
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hmm i dont think i want this.
Mar 23, 2011 12:15 AM
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Ugh, this movie just lingers as you want it to go away more and more. I already feel sick knowing the Hughes brothers are involved.

My prediction is they will fuck it up as bad, if not worse than the Resident Evil movies.
Mar 23, 2011 12:17 AM
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Is it April fool's today? Stupid Hollywood screwing up every good anime there is >_>
Mar 23, 2011 12:19 AM
#5

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Robert Pattinson and Justin Timberlake?
Please tell me this is a joke...
Mar 23, 2011 12:25 AM
#6
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kaiben said:
Robert Pattinson and Justin Timberlake?
Please tell me this is a joke...

exactly what I thought...
Mar 23, 2011 12:29 AM
#7

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Some of the actors being considered to play teenage characters are in their mid-30s.

I know Stockard Channing was already 33 when she played Rizzo in Grease, but in Akira, I just think it will be horribly awkward. I mean, Joaquin Phoenix is 37 years old and he looks it.

Akira is a film closely tied with 80s Japan. It should just stay there.
Mar 23, 2011 12:35 AM
#8

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wat de hell Justin Timberlake doing in there , Go out and make some Music !

well Akira Nice , will watch it in future
Mar 23, 2011 12:37 AM
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novalis said:
Some of the actors being considered to play teenage characters are in their mid-30s.

I know Stockard Channing was already 33 when she played Rizzo in Grease, but in Akira, I just think it will be horribly awkward. I mean, Joaquin Phoenix is 37 years old and he looks it.

Akira is a film closely tied with 80s Japan. It should just stay there.
According Chris Beveridge on Mania.com, "Do keep in mind that this is a heavily localized and adapted film, going into a New York setting, and it's very likely that they're upping the ages of the characters, which is a given going by the names used here, so don't expect the original story ideas revolving around youth, revolt and social pressures to be played out the same."
p r o f i l e 👀
Mar 23, 2011 12:42 AM
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Oh, the negativity...

It's not 100% same as manga... so what? Even anime itself is completely different than original source material. People need to stop being so elitistic and just be happy to see Akira getting some more recognition in a form of a Hollywood movie.
Mar 23, 2011 12:49 AM

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Hopefully they rename the characters too.
Mar 23, 2011 12:56 AM

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The only thing that crosses my mind as I read this news is "ugh".

Why don't they just completely write their own story? If they're going to change it that much anyway.
Mar 23, 2011 1:07 AM

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Putting aside my rabid fanboyism for a moment, why is there the need to localize at all? Would a faithful adaptation with the Neo-Tokyo setting and young Asian actors be that unpalatable to Western audiences? I know I'm putting too much faith in the masses with this, but it strikes me as really disingenuous if you think the only way you'll get someone to go to a movie is if it's featuring That One White Dude everyone saw in some other film.
Ha-cha!
Mar 23, 2011 1:13 AM

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Wow, yeah. Nice casting list, and they probably "rewrote" out everything we loved about the movie.
Gee, sounds GREAT, now the only thing they need to do is: change the name, cut all ties, and disavow any knowledge of the original Akira. Only then will I be happy with it.

(lol, I can already see all the worst parts of "I am Number Four" and "Forbidden Kingdom" all over this movie.)

Tamago to chikai wa kudake-yasui.
Mar 23, 2011 1:32 AM

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Skullthrone said:
kaiben said:
Robert Pattinson and Justin Timberlake?
Please tell me this is a joke...

exactly what I thought...

Same. They should have left Akira alone and come up their own story. Urg, definitely not looking forward to this.
Mar 23, 2011 2:16 AM

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Steve Kloves.
He made the GOOD potter movies.
I have faith.

And I for one and glad for changes. Why the fuck would I want to watch the same thing I have watched and read before? BORING.

And god forbid it brings in NEW people to the series.
With it either being so good or so bad it's going to bring in people curious about the source material.
After all we wouldn't want our precious elitist group to get and bigger would we?
Mar 23, 2011 2:17 AM

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DO NOT WANT

I signed my screen and now its all smeary "When you meet your God tell him to leave me alone."

check out my bloghttp://corpse69.wordpress.com/

fix MAL already
Mar 23, 2011 2:18 AM

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Does Goku go to highschool?
Mar 23, 2011 2:22 AM

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LightningRamiel said:
Would a faithful adaptation with the Neo-Tokyo setting and young Asian actors be that unpalatable to Western audiences?


Exactly. And most probably Akira fans will be disappointed while the casual audience will take it as just another SF movie. I honestly don't see the point of ruining this great anime.
If you are a fan of (or simply interested in) Japanese films
then please join the Cinema of Japan club! Thank you (:


Mar 23, 2011 2:44 AM
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lets hope for the best
Mar 23, 2011 2:49 AM

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Robert Pattinson, lol.

But Justin Timberlake's actually a pretty good actor, so I don't mind him being in the movie.
Mar 23, 2011 2:50 AM

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bloodlover said:
LightningRamiel said:
Would a faithful adaptation with the Neo-Tokyo setting and young Asian actors be that unpalatable to Western audiences?


Exactly. And most probably Akira fans will be disappointed while the casual audience will take it as just another SF movie. I honestly don't see the point of ruining this great anime.


The problem isn't changing the name of the town (a name is just a name) or the characters to white (besides no one can tell what race an anime character is except if it's black). The problem is changing basic concepts and messages of the film basically making it feel like some other film just so it will supposedly fit with the American audience.
Taking away the youth rebel feeling and their reaction to that society is like cutting of the biggest factor the film was made. This Holywood people once again just want to make some special effects shit(and in 3d) so they can sell the standard ticket sales to make a standard profit instead of risking it and going for something unique.

Naruleach said:
novalis said:
Some of the actors being considered to play teenage characters are in their mid-30s.

I know Stockard Channing was already 33 when she played Rizzo in Grease, but in Akira, I just think it will be horribly awkward. I mean, Joaquin Phoenix is 37 years old and he looks it.

Akira is a film closely tied with 80s Japan. It should just stay there.
According Chris Beveridge on Mania.com, "Do keep in mind that this is a heavily localized and adapted film, going into a New York setting, and it's very likely that they're upping the ages of the characters, which is a given going by the names used here, so don't expect the original story ideas revolving around youth, revolt and social pressures to be played out the same."


I hope the film isn't named Akira then. Just give it another title and just write at the credits that it was inspired by Akira.
Mar 23, 2011 3:07 AM

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looks like its gonna fail from what i have read on this thread lol
Mar 23, 2011 3:14 AM

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Well, Twilight fans would most probably watch Akira because of this Pattison guy. Oh lawdy.
Mar 23, 2011 3:16 AM

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everything about that is Wack!!

if this is true then... what the f! script rewritten. why? so it appeals to a larger audience. I know, we know that this is about money, nothing else. introducing something to the western society is an easy way to make money.

american actors (Grabe B actors), american setting (Cliche setting)... oh i hope this doesn't involve teenage romance!

if they can't successfully accept the "original", don't friken bother adapting. it'll just ruin it's reputation and of course the piece itself.

It's happened many times, and it goes without saying. It becomes a situation of "me" instead of "everyone"

It's not called Akira, it's not the same.
Mar 23, 2011 3:24 AM

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idlezeal said:
Well, Twilight fans would most probably watch Akira because of this Pattison guy. Oh lawdy.


rofl.

Well tbh I am not expecting anything special. Hollywood has a tendency to comercialise anything so in the end the movie could only resemble vaguely with the anime. There is a tendency in media to make a product that will please old fans and bring new crowd in (see the way Dragon Age 2 was supposed to be or the new TRON movie) but this usually fails because hardcore fans can see past these cheap tricks.

By the way, I heard somewhere (can't remember where honestly) that Spielberg has the right to make a Ghost in the Shell movie... Is it true?
If you are a fan of (or simply interested in) Japanese films
then please join the Cinema of Japan club! Thank you (:


Mar 23, 2011 3:44 AM

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Oh well, at least it will be popular with 12 year old girls.

Otherwise:
BlueCyanide said:
DO NOT WANT

QFT
Mar 23, 2011 4:27 AM

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Well, I don't think I'll pay much attention to this, no reason for me to expect a good movie.

I may end up watching it anyways, but I doubt it'll be any good.
Mar 23, 2011 5:45 AM
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idlezeal said:
Well, Twilight fans would most probably watch Akira because of this Pattison guy. Oh lawdy.

and end up watching their sparkling vampie turning into huge chunk of meat (the most disgusting scene ) , if they keep the things as usual .
Mar 23, 2011 5:57 AM

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WYF is going on with hollywood scewing up every goddamn good anime they start to piss me off really hard
Mar 23, 2011 6:03 AM

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Hahaha. Wow. Do not want.

Though, I will go see it so I can rage about it.

^_^
Mar 23, 2011 7:28 AM

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Naruleach said:
Robert Pattinson
Naruleach said:
Justin Timberlake

Pure shit. If they're even considering these actors the movie is terrible and has already bombed.
Mar 23, 2011 7:35 AM

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Making me remember of Dragonball Evolution. Completely a rubbish. *sigh*
Mar 23, 2011 7:52 AM

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bloodlover said:
LightningRamiel said:
Would a faithful adaptation with the Neo-Tokyo setting and young Asian actors be that unpalatable to Western audiences?


Exactly. And most probably Akira fans will be disappointed while the casual audience will take it as just another SF movie. I honestly don't see the point of ruining this great anime.


This subject have been debated before on an ANN cast (with an insider mind you) and truly I agree with them on this one.

The studios are trying to satisfy both audiences (perceived audiences at that) at the same time and end up with a disjointed mess that displeases both since it manages to allienate casuals and disgruntle fans... it's a "piss off" effect that will only go away when the current head staff retire, that is, if we are in luck.

Meanwhile, I will just preserve my harsh criticism for after I actually managed to watch at least a trailer, but yeah, if there would be an excitement meter on my forehead it would be stuck at 0... perhaps I would even painted a few negative numbers on it to truly represent my current enthusiasm ¬¬

Jure said:
Oh, the negativity...

It's not 100% same as manga... so what? Even anime itself is completely different than original source material. People need to stop being so elitistic and just be happy to see Akira getting some more recognition in a form of a Hollywood movie.


If they take the source material and mutate it beyond recognition... what is there to like about? If you take away the unique characters, the social commentary and the philosophy behind Akira it's just another mainstream crap we have already seen 1000000 times before!

When adapting something you are supposed to retain the source material recognizable beyond the name.

rolddy said:
WYF is going on with hollywood scewing up every goddamn good anime they start to piss me off really hard


Why so mad?!

The creators get exposure and revenue, we get a 0.1% of a good spin off of the show we love and more people get to know anime (even if this may come for the worst).

Might (and probably will) be a terrible movie? Yes! But still, there is no reason to be mad at it until someone strap you to a chair, lock your eyes open, drug you and make you watch non stop while listening to the 5th ^^
"There is no stupid questions, only stupid people."
Mar 23, 2011 7:55 AM

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This sounds like a terrible movie already. I'm going to go watch it (the original) today and imagine my own cool ass live action at home.


Mar 23, 2011 8:29 AM

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I'll wait for TV. then I can avoid the rabid Twilight fanbrats who mess up theater atmosphere.

cause I can't shake my cynicism for film adaptations of anime.

It may be "good" for those who like/watch anime, "OK" for those who has seen Akira, but don't think it'll be great. And its strong point may be that it's an eye candy of a movie.
Mar 23, 2011 9:06 AM

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No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no and NO!!!

Haven't they learned anything at all? Hollywood and Anime do not mix, it will only create endless discord. >_<
Mar 23, 2011 9:14 AM

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SagaraYuzuru said:
No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no and NO!!!

Haven't they learned anything at all? Hollywood and Anime do not mix, it will only create endless discord. >_<


You forgot one No.
Mar 23, 2011 9:40 AM

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kaiben said:
Robert Pattinson and Justin Timberlake?
Please tell me this is a joke...

oww. my brain...
Monad said:
bloodlover said:
LightningRamiel said:
Would a faithful adaptation with the Neo-Tokyo setting and young Asian actors be that unpalatable to Western audiences?


Exactly. And most probably Akira fans will be disappointed while the casual audience will take it as just another SF movie. I honestly don't see the point of ruining this great anime.


The problem isn't changing the name of the town (a name is just a name) or the characters to white (besides no one can tell what race an anime character is except if it's black). The problem is changing basic concepts and messages of the film basically making it feel like some other film just so it will supposedly fit with the American audience.
Taking away the youth rebel feeling and their reaction to that society is like cutting of the biggest factor the film was made. This Holywood people once again just want to make some special effects shit(and in 3d) so they can sell the standard ticket sales to make a standard profit instead of risking it and going for something unique.

Naruleach said:
novalis said:
Some of the actors being considered to play teenage characters are in their mid-30s.

I know Stockard Channing was already 33 when she played Rizzo in Grease, but in Akira, I just think it will be horribly awkward. I mean, Joaquin Phoenix is 37 years old and he looks it.

Akira is a film closely tied with 80s Japan. It should just stay there.
According Chris Beveridge on Mania.com, "Do keep in mind that this is a heavily localized and adapted film, going into a New York setting, and it's very likely that they're upping the ages of the characters, which is a given going by the names used here, so don't expect the original story ideas revolving around youth, revolt and social pressures to be played out the same."


I hope the film isn't named Akira then. Just give it another title and just write at the credits that it was inspired by Akira.

someone here gets it.
Mar 23, 2011 9:51 AM

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Algazero said:
kaiben said:
Robert Pattinson and Justin Timberlake?
Please tell me this is a joke...

oww. my brain...
Monad said:
bloodlover said:
LightningRamiel said:
Would a faithful adaptation with the Neo-Tokyo setting and young Asian actors be that unpalatable to Western audiences?


Exactly. And most probably Akira fans will be disappointed while the casual audience will take it as just another SF movie. I honestly don't see the point of ruining this great anime.


The problem isn't changing the name of the town (a name is just a name) or the characters to white (besides no one can tell what race an anime character is except if it's black). The problem is changing basic concepts and messages of the film basically making it feel like some other film just so it will supposedly fit with the American audience.
Taking away the youth rebel feeling and their reaction to that society is like cutting of the biggest factor the film was made. This Holywood people once again just want to make some special effects shit(and in 3d) so they can sell the standard ticket sales to make a standard profit instead of risking it and going for something unique.



According Chris Beveridge on Mania.com, "Do keep in mind that this is a heavily localized and adapted film, going into a New York setting, and it's very likely that they're upping the ages of the characters, which is a given going by the names used here, so don't expect the original story ideas revolving around youth, revolt and social pressures to be played out the same."


I hope the film isn't named Akira then. Just give it another title and just write at the credits that it was inspired by Akira.
someone here gets it.


Is Hollywood seriously so out of original ideas that they have to keep doing remakes, sequals and the like? i agree that they should just mention that it was inspired by "Akira" and change the title b/c it's shaping up to be a different movie entirely. Not saying that I won't see it but i feel it's blasphemous in the face of the original.
Mar 23, 2011 11:18 AM

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bloodlover said:
LightningRamiel said:
Would a faithful adaptation with the Neo-Tokyo setting and young Asian actors be that unpalatable to Western audiences?


Exactly. And most probably Akira fans will be disappointed while the casual audience will take it as just another SF movie. I honestly don't see the point of ruining this great anime.



western audiences are not really privy to Anime as a whole anyways. not to mention that producing and making movies for US viewers specifically fall sunder a specific kind of direction. not to mention when it comes to marketability of a movie, there is all kinds of factors that must be adhered to. in the end they won't be making this for Anime fans, as they wouldn't make any money (which is essentially what making movies these days is all about given the crap that is being recycled over and over again).
Mar 23, 2011 11:23 AM

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FYI the movie will be based on the manga not the anime.
Mar 23, 2011 11:26 AM

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Robert Pattinson and Justin Timberlake..

Is this a troll?
Mar 23, 2011 11:36 AM

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Nobody's been casted yet you people are just making a big fuss over rumors.Like always.
Mar 23, 2011 12:05 PM

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just hope it isnt like Evolution lol that was freakin horrible
Mar 23, 2011 1:20 PM

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Naruleach said:
According Chris Beveridge on Mania.com, "Do keep in mind that this is a heavily localized and adapted film, going into a New York setting, and it's very likely that they're upping the ages of the characters, which is a given going by the names used here, so don't expect the original story ideas revolving around youth, revolt and social pressures to be played out the same."

Well, that's my expectations out the window.
I write about manga → morningroo.com
and movies → letterboxd.com/ugla
Mar 23, 2011 1:47 PM

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I'm not even worried about the actors right now. The changes to the story sound awful, they're just completely ruining this. I really wish they'd just scrap this whole project
Mar 23, 2011 2:04 PM
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Do not want.
Mar 23, 2011 2:14 PM

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590
WTF ????????
What the hell is justin timberlake is doing here !!!!!!!!!!! DANCE MAYBE !!!!
i'm sure it well be nothing but crap *-*
Mar 23, 2011 3:35 PM
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Skullthrone said:
kaiben said:
Robert Pattinson and Justin Timberlake?
Please tell me this is a joke...

exactly what I thought...


I'm also against these two for those rolls.

The thing is that, ok we can expect a highly localized adaption so I can accept that things are not going to be a carbon copy, it will relate more to western audiences and I think that if done right it could be a pretty ok movie. The problem is that Hollywood's track record with these kinds of adaptions don't turn out so well.

If they just take the basic premise, concepts, and message without distorting them then this will probably not even be a movie we'd necessarily recognize as an adaption of Akira but a whole different film, which may not be so bad. BUT if they try to locally adapt it while trying to maintain the basics plus story, characters, and everything that made Akira great then I think it will fail.

I'm not necessarily against a live action version but the anime is such a classic with a strong message and cultural significance that has elements that you can not do in real life that it makes it hard to believe any adaption would do the original justice.

Regardless, I think that for non-fans, everything will just fly over their heads.
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