US EditionAction ‘Akira’ Leaves Warner Bros. After Decades In Production Hell
- Warner Bros. relinquished the live-action movie rights to Akira back to manga publisher Kodansha in June 2025 after over 20 years of stalled development.
- The project stalled due to multiple changes in directors and creative teams since Warner Bros. acquired rights in 2002, with Taika Waititi last updating production status in November 2023.
- Numerous talents, including Stephen Norrington, Albert Hughes, Jaume Collet-Serra, and Leonardo DiCaprio's Appian Way, were involved over the years without progress, while an Akira anime series is also in uncertain development.
- Borys Kit of The Hollywood Reporter confirmed in June 2025 that Warner Bros. will not remake Akira, marking the end of a decades-long effort described as "development hell" and noting a secretive bidding war for the rights.
- With the rights reverted, industry insiders await who will next attempt an Akira adaptation, though the original creator Katsuhiro Otomo's strict oversight may continue to challenge future projects.
18 Articles
18 Articles
Taika Waititi's Live-Action 'Akira' Officially Dead, Warner Bros. Gives Films Rights Back To Original Manga Publisher Kodansha
Kaneda makes a stand against the United Nations' forces in Katsuhiro Otomo's illustration for Akira Club (2005), Kodansha After 20+ years in development Hell and the threat of its story being brought to life under the direction of Taika Waititi, Warner Bros.’ attempt at an live-action adaptation of Katsuhiro Otomo’s seminal manga Akira has officially been relegated to the trash bin of Hollywood. Kaneda performs the original version of his iconic…
The live-action film adaptation project of the manga/anime "Akira" is officially buried at Warner Bros, 23 years after they... [English] : "Akira" live-action adaptation is officially dead at Warner Bros, after over two decades and millions spent on developments with multiple directors.
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