Originally published September 20, 2017. Updated April 16, 2018.
As we approach the release of the next Marvel Cinematic Universe film Thor: Ragnarok, we may have an idea of what director Taika Waititi’s next big blockbuster project will be, as Deadline is reporting that he has entered talks with Warner Bros. to adapt the graphic novel series Akira into a live action feature film.
WB has been looking to make a Akira film for several years, but the project has remained in development hell for a long time. The series consists of six graphic novels which will apparently be split into two films, three books for each movie. If he accepts the deal, Waititi will be the next in WB’s line of directors to attempt this film. Leonardo DiCaprio and Andrew Lazar will produce through their Appian Way banner.
Waititi won’t get to this film for a little while longer; he be directing the World War II dramedy Jojo Rabbit (which begins production next spring), and is also attached to Bubbles, a stop-motion animated film based upon Michael Jackson’s pet chimp.
Set in a future city environment called New Manhattan, the sci-fi epic follows the leader of a bike gang who must save his best friend, who has been experimented on by the government causing him to develop dangerous and destructive psychokinetic powers.
