| Warner and Leonardo DiCaprio will produce a live action film based on the Akira manga. There are two films planned, each spanning 3 volumes of the manga. The films will have some changes to appeal to a western audience. The films will no longer take place in Neo-Tokyo, but rather "New Manhattan". The film will be Directed by Ruairi Robinson, and a script is being written by Gary Whitta. No actors have been announced yet. Warner Bros had the rights to Akira before, but lost them before they produced a movie. The rights had to be reacquired from Kodansha, a manga publisher, for a reported 7 figure sum. The first movie is currently set to air in the Summer of 2009. Source: ANN |
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| When I heard Leo was involved, I thought "oh no..." but it's just as a producer. Whew. |
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| wow a bunch of no names so far. no wonder they had to attach leo's name to it. and wtf is up with this manhattan BS?! and no excuses about appealing to the masses of the U.S...ain't the only freaking western country in the world, lol >_< |
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| I'll reserve my judgement until I see it. I'm not going to knock it with what very little info we've got so far. |
 ...even a saint needs a soldier to do the dirty work. |
| I lol'd at new manhattan, but cried at the same time D: ... It might turn out good, i'll still watch it no matter what in the end. |
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| I grew up on Akira, so I'd say there's a zero percent chance of the live action film ever meaning as much to me as the original work did... that is to say, there's a zero percent chance this new film won't suck horribly. But I'm still hopeful :P |
| New Manhattan, like haven't americans never heard of Tokyo? :D |
| This will be one interesting movie... =P |
||Drama List|| |
| It'll be interesting to see how this pans out. Whether it sucks or not though you can be sure I'll go to watch it ^^ |
| Wonder which one will do better... Manhattan Akira or a DBZ story cut to movie length... Personally, I don't like how they "americanize" this. I don't mind a few changes in the story but the setting? Are they still using the same character names? Couldn't they pull a Last Samurai on us instead? Well, I'll wait until we get trailers before completely trashing this. After all, they are adapting the manga... |
Red_Zealot said: "New Manhattan" what |
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| Yeah, I'll also reserve judgment. Seeing as how I harbor no illusions about the original Akira anime (ie, it sucked because all it had going for it was animation quality and...yeah, I think that's about it), I'm hoping these will be an improvement. That or I just will forget all about it. |
| Just the fact that Hollywood is paying attention to manga more and more now as a source for new movies makes me excited. Lets just pray that they do a decent job with the material so we can see some other titles make the way over. So I'll add this to my growing "to watch" list: Battle Angel Alita, Dragon Ball, Akira. |
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| Well Akira movie fans seem to be a minority on MAL I've recently discovered, but I'll just quote someone above to let you know my thoughts on this project: lil_bunnyrabbit said: New Manhattan? This shit fails by default. By the way AICN seems to think Leo actually is playing Kaneda, and that Joseph Gordon Levitt is playing Tetsuo. |
BeatnikFeb 21, 2008 11:22 AM
"I'm starting to think mal is run by Xinil generating electricity on a bicycle." - idklol |
| If they wind up casting bunch of non-Asians in the main roles as they probably will, they might as well change the name of the movie to "Eric" or something too while they're at it. |
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| Eh, I won't be completely pessimist about this. Hopefully it'll turn out good. |
| New Manhattan??? Crap... -.- |
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| Asked my magic 8-ball if the movie will suck. It replied: Who knows? |
| Forum signatures are annoying. |
Heigen said: New Manhattan, like haven't americans never heard of Tokyo? :D You know, there are people who cant find Japan on a world map, not even talking about some city... If you think there isnt anyone more stupid than this you will sure find someone. ronin said: If they wind up casting bunch of non-Asians in the main roles as they probably will, they might as well change the name of the movie to "Eric" or something too while they're at it. In that case i'd laugh hard. And shed bloody tears.... But, as they changed city's name, they'll probably change characters' names too... We will get another piece of Hollywood crap. Haven't world learned yet from Transformers!? Geez |
 Help the poor Ninja! Click Billy vs Snakeman link today! |
| Thats SO typical for hollywood! Oh, It will destroy the whole essence of Akira. Its the same with Battle Angel aluita and so on. Its so...*wah* when they try to transform a character for an actor. And people who doesnt know the original could probably think that THIS Akira ist the only thing the could made out of it. |
| I'm sorry for (typing-) mistakes, silly expressions or anything stupid wih my style of writing, I'm not a native. Thanks. |
| I think only the Wachowskis should adapt anime. There's another positive Speed Racer screening review on AICN, it sounds great. |
"I'm starting to think mal is run by Xinil generating electricity on a bicycle." - idklol |
magentaanbu said: New Manhattan??? Crap... -.- my sentiments exactly. |
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| It's quite similar to the stunts Hollywood pulls with Japanese horror films. At least the original director of Ju-on was involved with the Grudge... is anyone on the original Akira staff involved or are we too early to know? |
| Well, Although I don't really approve of the location change from "Neo-Tokyo" to "New Manhattan" I will still wait to hear more and decide before as well as after seeing the movie how much crap/gold it is.... The problem is what most people don't understand about Hollywood adaptations is that they aren't just trying to satiate the anime masses hunger in America...mostly because animation in America is not even on the same level of respect as live-action movies are....but rather they are trying to take a story that was popular among the anime masses and target a wider interest group...of course we know this almost always ends in a failure as far as our standards are set...but as long as it pays for the production costs and nets a couple million...or ten's of millions...they are satisfied... I will still hold further judgement on thi movie till I hear further releases of information...such as the actors...and possibly a trailer.... |
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| i thought htey had dropped this one already. licence aquisition can get a bit dicey i guess, lots and lots of money involved. its still too early to see if this one will work out. |
| What the hell is Hollywood's obsession with New York? Seems like 80% of the movies they make are set there. And anyway, a lot of American movies have been set in Tokyo before, so I don't get the "appealing to a western audience" thing. Especially when Godzilla is so well known. Anyway, I really hope they don't pass up some unknown actors that could be really good in certain roles, in favor of just cramming a bunch of famous movie stars into this. |
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| I wonder how this will turn out... Bad I bet. >_> I never did like Leo. |
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| This guy is writing: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Whitta Let's see hes written star trek and some other science fiction garbage, so at best it will probably be like a Paul W.S. Anderson video game movie. This movie is going to be totally americanized and bastardized. |
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| I figured if it was a non Japan studio doing Akira it wont be set in Japan. You have to remember you silly self hating Americans that the movie industry doesn't solely target fans for adaptations, they target a mass market, including people that never even heard of Akira. animejnkie said: This movie is going to be totally americanized and bastardized. ^Here's a prime example of a self hating American I don't understand why some people are crying over that its set in New Manhattan not Neo Japan. Heres how I think its going to happen, its not going to be an Akira live action, rather a movie based on Akira, similar to how the Departed is based of Infernal Affairs I and II. I mean just because the location is different on a movie that is going to loosely based on the manga and might not even have the same character names or title name, people have shunned it because "its in America". So the odds that there will be a Tetsuo and Kaneda like characters are high, the odds that they will be Tetsuo and Kaneda are I'd say 30% About the film being good or not, I'll wait till I see some footage or cast photos to decide. I assume that quite a few people are under the delusion of "OMG REAL PEOPLE IT SUCKS" Which many Live action have been a let down to the actual case, but there are multiple cases of a Live action being good or better, and sometimes more popular, than the original. Now the U.S. market for Japanese based live action is usually not that good, but there has been a few good ones like the Guyver movies (namely the 2nd one), Speed Racer looks promising, Forbidden Kingdom looks excellent like it was done in Hong Kong rather than the U.S. (not exactly a live action version of anime/manga, but its based on the book Saiyuki, Dragonball, and many other things, plus its a U.S. take on Chinese style cinema with Jackie Chan and Jet Li.), so theres still a chance for this movie. |
UltraTien said: I figured if it was a non Japan studio doing Akira it wont be set in Japan. You have to remember you silly self hating Americans that the movie industry doesn't solely target fans for adaptations, they target a mass market, including people that never even heard of Akira. animejnkie said: This movie is going to be totally americanized and bastardized. ^Here's a prime example of a self hating American I don't understand why some people are crying over that its set in New Manhattan not Neo Japan. I still don't see how it would appeal to the masses any less if they had it set in Neo Japan, unless they're assuming we're all racist hics. And if they're just gonna take what they like from the series, and leave out what they don't want, to me, that's not really an adaptation. That's just ripping off other people's ideas. |
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ichikiba said: UltraTien said: I figured if it was a non Japan studio doing Akira it wont be set in Japan. You have to remember you silly self hating Americans that the movie industry doesn't solely target fans for adaptations, they target a mass market, including people that never even heard of Akira. animejnkie said: This movie is going to be totally americanized and bastardized. ^Here's a prime example of a self hating American I don't understand why some people are crying over that its set in New Manhattan not Neo Japan. I still don't see how it would appeal to the masses any less if they had it set in Neo Japan, unless they're assuming we're all racist hics. And if they're just gonna take what they like from the series, and leave out what they don't want, to me, that's not really an adaptation. That's just ripping off other people's ideas. Kid listen, its not ripping off ideas if they give credit where credit is due which is required by copyright law's. The average American movie goer would not appeal to a movie they know nothing about and has nothing major that they should know backing it up (unless they advertise greatly that its based off the manga, which will probably loose their average viewer profit, which is why The Departed didn't greatly advertise its a remake of Infernal Affairs, a chinese movie) set in a country they are unfamiliar with and its language. Its standard marketing really, think like this, an average non-anime fan, english only speaking, normal guy goes to see a movie but hasn't decided, he see's a movie called "Akira" and hears its set in Japan, now the our guy would probably not see this movie because he hears its set in Japan, and will probably think its a Japanese language subtitled movie and will have some of the JP movie stereotypes, advertising its based on a manga and anime will even lessen the average viewer rate, since many average Americans consider Anime childish, and the average viewer rate is where a great portion of the money is made. Yes not all Americans are like what I stated, but that is the Mass market appeal though, which is usually placed higher on priorities than fans. Again this is standard Marketing facts, you'll learn about it when you're older and taking classes on related topics Anything else you'd like to say? |
hounddog said: When I heard Leo was involved, I thought "oh no..." but it's just as a producer. Whew. I have the same feeling; but, I am not relieved that he is directing. Heigen said: New Manhattan, like haven't americans never heard of Tokyo? :D My thoughts exactly. |
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UltraTien said: The average American movie goer would not appeal to a movie they know nothing about and has nothing major that they should know backing it up (unless they advertise greatly that its based off the manga, which will probably loose their average viewer profit... ...Its standard marketing really, think like this, an average non-anime fan, english only speaking, normal guy goes to see a movie but hasn't decided, he see's a movie called "Akira" and hears its set in Japan, now the our guy would probably not see this movie because he hears its set in Japan, and will probably think its a Japanese language subtitled movie and will have some of the JP movie stereotypes, advertising its based on a manga and anime will even lessen the average viewer rate, since many average Americans consider Anime childish, and the average viewer rate is where a great portion of the money is made. You are right about the marketing. However, the matter of interest is... why is Hollywood is trying to appeal to the mass market with Akira? A controversial one where a town is gonna be ripped to shreds and they are going to set it at Manhattan? Really? The biggest problem might not even be directly the changes to the original, it'll be the confusion. I'm sure this will go through some people's heads when they watch this in theaters. Even when "americanized", parts of the story in the original isn't easy to watch, and understand the first time. If they change that they can take a risk. |
UltraTien said: ichikiba said: UltraTien said: I figured if it was a non Japan studio doing Akira it wont be set in Japan. You have to remember you silly self hating Americans that the movie industry doesn't solely target fans for adaptations, they target a mass market, including people that never even heard of Akira. animejnkie said: This movie is going to be totally americanized and bastardized. ^Here's a prime example of a self hating American I don't understand why some people are crying over that its set in New Manhattan not Neo Japan. I still don't see how it would appeal to the masses any less if they had it set in Neo Japan, unless they're assuming we're all racist hics. And if they're just gonna take what they like from the series, and leave out what they don't want, to me, that's not really an adaptation. That's just ripping off other people's ideas. Kid listen, its not ripping off ideas if they give credit where credit is due which is required by copyright law's. The average American movie goer would not appeal to a movie they know nothing about and has nothing major that they should know backing it up (unless they advertise greatly that its based off the manga, which will probably loose their average viewer profit, which is why The Departed didn't greatly advertise its a remake of Infernal Affairs, a chinese movie) set in a country they are unfamiliar with and its language. Its standard marketing really, think like this, an average non-anime fan, english only speaking, normal guy goes to see a movie but hasn't decided, he see's a movie called "Akira" and hears its set in Japan, now the our guy would probably not see this movie because he hears its set in Japan, and will probably think its a Japanese language subtitled movie and will have some of the JP movie stereotypes, advertising its based on a manga and anime will even lessen the average viewer rate, since many average Americans consider Anime childish, and the average viewer rate is where a great portion of the money is made. Yes not all Americans are like what I stated, but that is the Mass market appeal though, which is usually placed higher on priorities than fans. Again this is standard Marketing facts, you'll learn about it when you're older and taking classes on related topics Anything else you'd like to say? Well, first I'd like to say that I can do without your condescending attitude, sir. Second, I am a little disturbed by how everyone seems to automatically assume that because they're Americanizing it, the movie will automatically be awful. The fact that Akira is Japanese is irrelevant, really. I haven't seen the manga, but from what I've seen of the anime, it doesn't seem like it would've made a difference whether the original was based in Japan, America, or any other country. The only thing the country of origin seemed to influence is the names of the characters, and of the series itself. And by the way, the main characters can easily be Asian-Americans, so maybe they won't change the character's names. Even if the characters are played by white actors, they can just say that they're of a mixed decent. There's also no law saying white people can't give their kids Japanese names. But anyway, I'm getting off my original point: The depth and complexity of Akira can easily survive the process of Americanization. I just thought that while it is a good move finacially, Americanization is a little offensive artistically, and possibly, ethnically. |
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Brian333 said: ichikiba said: Well, first I'd like to say that I can do without your condescending attitude, sir. Second, I am a little disturbed by how everyone seems to automatically assume that because they're Americanizing it, the movie will automatically be awful. The fact that Akira is Japanese is irrelevant, really. I haven't seen the manga, but from what I've seen of the anime, it doesn't seem like it would've made a difference whether the original was based in Japan, America, or any other country. The only thing the country of origin seemed to influence is the names of the characters, and of the series itself. And by the way, the main characters can easily be Asian-Americans, so maybe they won't change the character's names. Even if the characters are played by white actors, they can just say that they're of a mixed decent. There's also no law saying white people can't give their kids Japanese names. But anyway, I'm getting off my original point: The depth and complexity of Akira can easily survive the process of Americanization. I just thought that while it is a good move finacially, Americanization is a little offensive artistically, and possibly, ethnically. well, quickly, because I don't want this to become a tl;dr statement... I'll just say that you're wrong in saying that the fact that it was set in japan only influenced the character names. Seeing as how you went on later to bring up the depth and complexity behind Akira, I assume you know that much of that depth and complexity is directly tied into a response to Japanese society and Japan's future. Removing the story from its Japanese background and overlaying it onto Manhattan automatically severs those direct ties and shines a different light on the themes of the work. I disagree. I think the themes are universal, and can just as easily be applied to the United States. Especially since it takes place in the future. The writers can take liberties with the US government and other aspects of American society and talor to their needs, if neccessary. |
ichikibaFeb 22, 2008 11:24 AM
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| Brian333 speaks alot of sense. If the film is not going to be set in Japan, and not have Japanese characters, why even call it Akira? I cant copy and paste my ridiculously long dissertation on this anime, but suffice to say, as brian continually points out, Akira is about Japan. If you strip Japan out of it, then dont even bother calling it Akira anymore. Just call it some generic apolyptic name and rip some of Akira's set pieces off. There's no need to sour the franchise like with the NY set Godzilla. I know alot of people just connect with the basic theme of friendship in Akira, but that is not the point of the anime. If you look past the surface, if you look at the nuclear explosion opening and closing the film, the unfinished Olympic stadium, the riots, the religious cults, it's all subtext and iconography of Japan's history, its observations of the 1980's, and a dour anticipation of the 90's. This isnt just some story about two kids blowing shit up. Which is what the US version will probably focus on, with some post 9/11 iconography to make it 'relevant'. |
"I'm starting to think mal is run by Xinil generating electricity on a bicycle." - idklol |
| I still say that while Hollywood is definitely not known for depth in their movies, that doesn't neccesarily mean that this movie will entirely lack any depth. There's no way it'll have the same depth in the same way as the manga. A manga and a movie are two very different mediums. There's a limited amount of depth and complexity you can have within 2 hours. I, personally, would rather have them lose the political themes in order to keep the earthly, universal themes. I think those that are making the movie would rather do that, too, seeing as the affects of the end of WWII on Japan mean very little to the average American. It comes back to appealing to the masses. I mean, look at the Witchblade anime (I just got done watching an episode just before posting it). It's originally an American comic book, but are the characters of the anime in America? Do they have names that are of European decent? No. Is it a good anime? Damn straight it is. Yes, it's different, but if an adaptation wasn't different, then what would be the point of an adaptation? If definitely needs to be faithful to the original source, to a point, but it's definitely interesting to see new possibilities, too. My problem with the change was mainly the fact that I'm sick of the vast majority of movies being set in New York (though, I live near Chicago, so maybe it's just my instinct to hate New York), and there have been several Hollywood movies set in Japan in the past, so it seems a little inconsistant. But then again, the guys making this movie probably didn't make those ones, so maybe I shouldn't think of it that way. Lastly, if they cast Johnny Yong Bosch as Kaneda, I will see this movie no matter what. |
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| Very true about Witchblade, I'm sure, but I still don't think it's all that terrible that they're trying to apply the themes of Akira while throwing in some new thoughts. Just because it will be different doesn't mean it will completely lack depth, which I felt like you were saying. I think it's a little presumptuous to call it a bastardization at this point in time, as well. Granted, given that Hollywood and Leo himself don't have the best track records, there's a good chance that you're right, but I just don't like it when people to assume that Hollywood is incapable of having depth alongside action. I just think it'd be a shame if you actually saw the movie, going in with assumptions that it would lack depth, and come out believing that it did lack it when in fact the depth and complexity were there, but you were blinded by your preconceptions. And I'm not trying to single you out, Brian333. I mean that for everyone. |
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| i dont agree with this one bit as a akira fan |
 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 |
| no no no no no no NO leave akira alone! dammit |
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| Wow, yet another anime they have to ruin by turning it into a live action movie >__> |
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