After years of uncertainty, Taika Waiтιтi’s live-action adaptation of Akira is not only alive, it is gearing up for a major update. In a recent interview, longtime producer Andrew Lazar confirmed that new developments in the film will be revealed in the coming months. This news comes after what seemed like indefinite radio silence, reviving excitement around a project that has become something of a myth in Hollywood circles. With Waiтιтi still attached as director and Leonardo DiCaprio’s production company behind the scenes, it appears the long-anticipated remake may finally gain momentum.
Akira, the iconic 1988 anime based on Katsuhiro Otomo’s manga, has influenced generations of filmmakers and audiences alike. Adapting its rich narrative and dystopian world into live-action has proven notoriously difficult, with multiple studios and creatives trying, and failing, to make it happen over the last 25 years. However, this latest incarnation has something previous versions lacked: consistency. Despite delays and detours, the team behind this iteration remains intact, and the promise of an official update, via a Moovy TV interview on YouTube signals renewed energy in moving the project forward.
The Akira Movie is a Vision Finally in Motion
After Years of Waiting, Waiтιтi and DiCaprio’s Studio Are Making the Akira Movie Happen
Taika Waiтιтi, known for his bold directorial style in films like Thor: Ragnarok and Jojo Rabbit, brings a unique voice to the Akira adaptation. His commitment to staying true to the source material, while infusing it with his own creative sensibilities, makes him a great choice to helm the project. Waiтιтi has previously expressed interest in casting Asian actors and focusing more on the manga than simply recreating the anime, signaling a culturally respectful and narrative-rich approach.
Leonardo DiCaprio’s involvement, whether hands-on or hands-off, as a producer through his company Appian Way adds further credibility to the project. DiCaprio has backed numerous prestige films and tends to gravitate toward projects with both artistic and cultural value. With both Waiтιтi and DiCaprio invested, Akira is not just another failed adaptation attempt, it is shaping up to be a carefully considered and pᴀssionately crafted film. The latest statements from Lazar confirm that the team has not given up, even amid years of delays and shifting priorities.
The Bumpy Road to Neo-Tokyo
It May Have Taken Years, But the Live-Action Akira Will Be Released
Originally slated for a 2021 release, the Akira film faced several setbacks, including being removed from Warner Bros.’ schedule and taking a backseat while Waiтιтi directed Thor: Love and Thunder. Since then, updates have been scarce, leaving fans to wonder if the project had been abandoned altogether. However, Lazar’s recent comments suggest that the production never died, it merely paused. With this reᴀssurance, longtime fans can once again imagine seeing Neo-Tokyo on the big screen.
What makes this update especially encouraging is the consistency in creative leadership. Rather than swapping directors or shelving scripts indefinitely, this version of Akira appears to be patiently evolving behind the scenes. The next few months may bring long-awaited answers, with possible casting announcements, a production start date, or even concept art. For a film that has been stalled for decades, any progress feels monumental. And now, more than ever, it seems like Akira is finally inching toward becoming a cinematic reality.
Source: Moovy TV on YouTube
