Keanu Reeves could star in the long-gestating live-action remake of Akira.
Names as diverse as James Franco, Andrew Garfield, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Robert Pattinson and Zac Efron have previously been linked to the English-language remake of the groundbreaking anime/manga.
Now there's word, via The Hollywood Reporter, that Reeves has held talks with Warner Bros about playing Kaneda, the biker-gang leader who tries to stop best friend Tetsuo unleashing his psychic powers.
Reeves hasn't yet been made an offer, but talks are said to be 'going well'. No doubt Keanu's Matrix credentials are making him a desirable lead, though he's a little older than the teenage Kaneda in the manga (and subsequent anime adap).
Albert Hughes (The Book of Eli) is directing the remake, which transplants the action from a post-apocalyptic neo-Tokyo to New Manhattan.
If Reeves does sign on, expect the dawdling Akira to move swiftly into production.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
Would Reeves be a good fit for Kaneda? Who would you cast as Tetsuo? Still think this remake is a terrible idea? Sound off below!
Comments
Hadouken76
May 7th 2011, 9:18
Wrong. At 40-something hes a bit old to be part of a teenage biker gang and failing that. if he's not riding a big red bike there will be massive blobs swelling over Hollywood hills!
Alert a moderator
mcghater
May 7th 2011, 11:46
nick hoult would get my vote, not keanu p**sin reeves
Alert a moderator
mcghater
May 7th 2011, 11:46
nick hoult would get my vote, not keanu p**sin reeves
Alert a moderator
nacho316
May 7th 2011, 12:38
is kaneda a block of wood by anychance if so keanu would be perfect lol
Alert a moderator
nacho316
May 7th 2011, 12:38
is kaneda a block of wood by anychance if so keanu would be perfect lol
Alert a moderator
ilikescifi
May 7th 2011, 12:50
as if
Alert a moderator
ilikescifi
May 7th 2011, 12:51
as if
Alert a moderator
Ali1748
May 7th 2011, 14:02
The whole idea of remaking Akira into a live action movie is stupid.
Alert a moderator
Porkchopexpress
May 7th 2011, 17:32
I demand Kieran Culkin for Kaneda! Or maybe even Zac Effron (Yes I'm serious) or Anton Yelchin, but Culkin for me every time. As long as it's not Andrew 'I'm not Andy Murray' Garfield. I don't suppose for one second Hollywood would actually cast Japanese actors? I guess the love of Japanese cinema stops at pointless remakes than allowing talent to cross international borders.
Alert a moderator
mcghater
May 7th 2011, 21:05
leave alone leave alone, how bout just shuttin the hell up, its like sex with lebron its gonna happen whether you like it or not
Alert a moderator
Punchbowl
May 8th 2011, 6:58
How much c**p can they throw at this film. Get McG to direct and be done with it.
Alert a moderator
Morituri
May 9th 2011, 20:58
Why bloody Manatthan ? Why is it that americans always think everything has to happen in their country ? Aliens attack Earth, in L.A, a meteorite hits Earth, in L.A, a volcano surfaces recking havoc, in L.A.. Dylan Dog was set in London ? Nooo, let's move him to L.A., Akira in Japan ? Nooo,he's a Yank now ! Enough said
Alert a moderator