Akira (アキラ?, [akiɽa]) is a 1988 Japanese animated science fiction film directed by Katsuhiro Otomo. It's considered the greatest manga film ever made. For over a decade Warner Bros has been trying to make a two-part live-action film with stars like Justin Timberlake, Michael Fassbender, Chris Pine, Joaquin Phoenix and Keanu Reeves. Earlier this year it was announced the project is shut down.
Thanks to that, the NDA is null and void and artists can release their work. Jeff Errico (Snow White and the Huntsman, Crank, Water for Elephants) has released some concept art on his site for the film.
It's the opening scene for Akira including the title. Pretty exciting actually. Click the images to enlarge.
Here's the original anime Akira opening which doesn't feature the motorcycle.
See the storyboards by Sylvan Despretz' Unused Akira Storyboards here.
Official Synopsis:
Kaneda is a bar owner in Neo-Manhattan who is stunned when his brother, Tetsuo, is abducted by government agents led by The Colonel. Desperate to get his brother back, Kaneda agrees to join with Ky Reed and her underground movement who are intent on revealing to the world what truly happened to New York City thirty years ago when it was destroyed. Kaneda believes their theories to be ludicrous but after finding his brother again, is shocked when he displays telekinetic powers.
Ky believes Tetsuo is headed to release a young boy, Akira, who has taken control of Tetsuo’s mind. Kaneda clashes with The Colonel’s troops on his way to stop Tetsuo from releasing Akira but arrives too late. Akira soon emerges from his prison courtesy of Tetsuo as Kaneda races in to save his brother before Akira once again destroys Manhattan island, as he did thirty years ago.
See more of Jeffrey Errico's portfolio at http://www.storyboardguru.com/
Via AnimeNewsNetwork
What do you think of the illustrations? Are you interested in seeing a live-action version of this film? Or are you glad it's dead?
@ Copyright Mad Chance, Appian Way, Lennox House Films, Jeffery Errico, All rights reserved
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this was the film that changed the world i think on how we watched anime.
ReplyDeleteTheir concept for the motorcycle is cool. Glad the movie was never made though. There can be only one Akira.
ReplyDeleteIts a tricky film to do Alex.
ReplyDeleteJeremy, so true. It really opened a lot of doors for Japanimation.
ReplyDelete