After Years in Development, The Live-Action Version Of The Classic Anime Is Being Made

The live-action version of the classic anime movie “Akira” has been in the works in Hollywood for several years, but after having been stuck in development it looks like the project will begin soon. The director was recently announced, Taika Waititi, who is mostly known for indie films set in his home country New Zealand.

Waititi was thrust onto a big budget film when he directed the audience favorite Marvel film “Thor: Ragnarok” but was also known for his 2014 comedy “What We Do In the Shadows,” a comedy mockumentary about vampires living in modern day New Zealand. While ‘Thor’ is probably in a similar vein to what the live-action “Akira” film will be, his indie film sensibilities are what give the bigger projects more heart. He also has directed some episodes of Disney’s upcoming Star Wars TV show, a project lead by John Favreau, also of Marvel fame.

The Japanese animated “Akira” was a film that introduced many Americans to Japanese anime in the 1980s, so hopefully, Waititi’s directing will capture that 80s essence that people love about the original. The film, which takes place in “Neo-Tokyo” will be filmed in California.

In fact, the state gave the production team an $18.5 million dollar tax break to film there. Hopefully, when the new film comes out it lives up to the expectation of the old while bringing new aspects to the table for the audience to enjoy.