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Acclaimed writer and director Jordan Peele explains why he did not want to direct the live-action remake of the iconic anime movie Akira.
Acclaimed writer and director Jordan Peele explains why he did not direct the live-action remake of the beloved Japanese animated classic Akira. Released in 1988, the dystopian futuristic science-fiction action movie is based on Katsuhiro Otomo’s manga of the same name. Directed by Otomo, Akira fuses slick visuals, a cyberpunk aesthetic, and a riveting story with break-neck action to create one of the most lauded anime films of all time. Akira follows biker gang leader Shōtarō Kaneda, whose friend develops dangerous telekinetic abilities, creating chaos within the dense metropolis of Neo-Tokyo.
While on the Happy Sad Confused podcast (via IndieWire), Peele shares why he ultimately did not direct the Akira live-action remake. The director explains that although he is passionate about the project, he admits he feels rejecting Warner Bros.’ offer allowed him to create the original films he always wanted to make. Read what Peele says below:
“It’s a project I’m so passionate about. I’m glad I didn’t do it because I feel like…staying away from that, trying to interpret that IP just set me on the path to create something new. But I want to see Neo-Tokyo. I want to see an all-Japanese cast. I want to feel immersed in the world, the way of the films in the manga.”
What We Know About the Akira Remake
Although Peele never remade the iconic anime film, he recently paid homage to its main character in his popular science-fiction thriller Nope. At one point in the movie, Keke Palmer’s character, Emerald, brings a motorcycle to a sliding stop, a dramatic move Kaneda pulled off in Akira. Unfortunately, after decades of attempts, an Akira adaptation appears to still be a distant pipe dream.
Sony Pictures initially attempted a live-action Akira remake in the ’90s, but did not go through with production due an inflating budget. Warner Bros. acquired Akira‘s rights in 2002 and have since repeatedly attempted to bring the story back to the big screen. Blade director Stephen Norrington, The Last Days on Mars director Ruairi Robinson, The Book of Eli directors Albert and Allen Hughes, and Black Adam director Jaume Collet-Serra were all associated to the project at some point. Thor: Love and Thunder director Taika Waititi was officially announced to direct the film in 2019 with a targeted 2021 released date. However, that version of Akira has been put on hold indefinitely.
Between Waititi’s various upcoming projects, which include Next Goal Wins and an upcoming Star Wars entry, his Akira film may be a long way away. However, in 2017, the director provided updates regarding the film, stating his desire to adhere to the original manga while assuring fans that the adaptation will not whitewash the cast, a similar sentiment shared by Peele. Barring any future updates from Warner Bros., it still might be some time before there is any news regarding the Akira live-action remake. Currently, the original Akira film can be streamed on Hulu.
Source: Happy Sad Confused (via IndieWire)
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