Anime Akira to get a real-life makeover

11/02/2010

Graphic anime novel Akira is set to get the Hollywood treatment, with the Hughes brothers lining up to take on the project.

It's already been adapted to a feature film, with author Katsuhiro Otomo taking control of the animated version back in 1988.

Now, rumblings about a live-action version have gotten progressively louder, with reports emerging that Book of Eli's Hughes brothers are ready to step up and take it on.

Anime purists may be somewhat reassured by the assertion that Otomo will be involved as executive producer, according to Variety.

The script's written so all that remains is to find a director - which appears to be getting closer - and, obviously, a cast.

According to Variety, the location of the action has been shifted from a freshly rebuilt Tokyo to new Manhattan.

Fans could be pleased to learn that the story is set to be shot as two films.

Time to get your retro T shirts out?