Back in October, we discussed reports that Warners had signed Ruairi Robinson to direct a live-action Akira adaptation. As it turns out, the rumor was half right. Or doubly right, depending on how you look at it.
Variety reports that Robinson is indeed on board to bring a flesh-and-blood Akira to the big screen — but he’ll be turning Katsuhiro Otomo‘s six-volume graphic novel into two movies instead of one. From the article:
Each feature will be based on three of the books in Otomo’s series. The story takes place in New Manhattan, a metropolis that was rebuilt after being destroyed 31 years earlier. Otomo will exec produce the films.
The films, which are being co-produced by Leonardo DiCaprio, are scheduled to start arriving in theaters during the summer of ’09. Robinson will be directing from a script by Gary Whitta.
Source: Variety
