Akira update: Still alive, problems arise in script not budget

Last Updated on July 23, 2021

I can’t tell if this is simply dick-measuring between two trades, or legitimate dirt. Maybe you can make heads or tails of this shite…

Only after hours after THR broke the news that Warner Bros. has shut down production on its lofty AKIRA adaptation, Deadline is now reporting the real cause of the impasse. THR claimed the problems stemmed from budgetary concerns, though Jaume Collet-Serra agreed to substantially cut the cost of the film (from anywhere between $200 million down to $75 million). Now, Deadline has it that the real issue lies in the screenplay for the film, which last got a polish from David James Kelly. Apparently the studio wants sudden script changes, and will now set out for a high-profile scribe to come in and make the requisite alterations. Then a decision to move forward with Collet-Serra will have to be made.

Of course, there’s still casting issues as well. Dane DeHaan and Michael Pitt have been vying for the lead of Tetsuo for months. Pitt seems like the more seasoned vet, but does that really helps or hinder his case? Actually, the option deals for those two actors lapsed today, so it’s anyone’s guess as to whether or not they’ll keep their schedules open long enough to play the part. From that perspective, Warner Bros. may have to go back to casting-square-one. Remember, Garret Hedlund, Kristen Stewart, Ken Watanabe and Helena Bonham Carter (below) are all tentatively attached to the film as well.

So, what do you think? Budgetary issues? Script issues? Is it Deadline simply trying to one-up THR? Do any of these things sway your desire to see AKIRA get made after-all? Spit some shells below!