Akira Script and Casting Updates

Warner Bros is still moving forward with plans for an adaptation of Akira and considers it a "high priority project". According to Deadline, a new script revision has been handed in and Warner Bros is looking for an August start date. For those unaware, Akira is a highly praised anime movie and 6-volume manga series from the 80's.  Here is a brief plot summary:

(Possible Spoiler Warning) "The story is set in the post-apocalyptic community of Neo-Tokyo. Tetsuo is a fiercely individualistic member of a scroungy motorcycle gang. The despotic authorities, the robot-like police, and even the cycle gang pursue Tetsuo when he's bombarded with a new, insidious energy source that has rendered him telekinetic."

The latest script is written by Steve Kloves (Harry Potter films, Amazing Spiderman) and is planned to be directed by Albert Hughes (Book of Eli). As for who is being looked at for lead roles, the script is being passed Robert Pattinson, Andrew Garfield and James McAvoy for Tetsuo, and Garrett Hedlund, Michael Fassbender, Chris Pine, Justin Timberlake and Joaquin Phoenix for Kaneda.

I'm sure between now and official casting, we'll hear all sorts of casting rumors, so don't be sold on any of these names. This just lets us know that they are looking to cast a top young male actors in the lead role. The article mentioned that the story "takes place in the rebuilt New Manhattan", so that explains the casting choices. We'll post more information on this film as it is released.