Warner Bros. gives up: rights to live-action “Akira” remake return to Japan

Warner Bros. tried to adapt the cult cyberpunk manga and anime “Akira” for 23 years, but ultimately abandoned the project. Now publisher Kodansha is open to new proposals.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Warner Bros. has officially relinquished the film adaptation rights to “Akira”—one of the most iconic works of Japanese pop culture. The rights have reverted to publisher Kodansha, which, according to sources, is already considering offers from new producers.

Attempts to adapt Katsuhiro Otomo's manga began back in 2002. Over two decades, the project repeatedly changed directors, screenwriters, and cast members. At various times, Stephen Norrington, the Hughes brothers, Taika Waititi, Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert Pattinson, and others were linked to the remake, but none of the versions ever reached the filming stage.

Over the years of development, Warner Bros. invested significant funds into the project, opened and shut down production offices, and faced fan backlash. As a result, the Hollywood-style adaptation of “Akira” never came to fruition—and now, a new chapter in the project's history may begin.

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Cover art author: Kodansha / TMS Entertainment Cover art source: Collider