The live-action Akira film rights have reverted to Kodansha, and Taika Waititi is out of the picture. Fans are breathing a sigh of relief. But what does this mean for the iconic anime’s future? Let’s break it down, starting with the basics for the uninitiated.
Here’s the TL;DR…
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The live-action Akira film rights have recently reverted to Kodansha after lapsing from Warner Bros.
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Taika Waititi is no longer involved, as he did not fully commit to the project.
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Fans express relief on social media, citing concerns over Waititi’s direction.
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The future of Akira remains uncertain, but the change offers a fresh start.
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For those new to Akira, it’s a cyberpunk masterpiece set in a post-apocalyptic Neo-Tokyo, exploring themes of power, corruption, and rebellion.
What Is Akira, and Why Is It Important?
For those unfamiliar, Akira is a 1988 Japanese animated cyberpunk film directed by Katsuhiro Otomo, based on his manga. Set in Neo-Tokyo, 31 years after World War III, it follows motorcycle gang leader Shotaro Kaneda and his friend Tetsuo Shima, who gains telekinetic powers after a government experiment. The plot delves into themes of power, corruption, and rebellion, with Tetsuo’s transformation threatening to unleash Akira, a mysterious entity. It’s a cultural landmark, influencing countless works in anime, film, and beyond. Think of it as the Blade Runner of anime, but with more explosions and less rain.
Why Did the Akira Film Rights Revert to Kodansha?
The live-action Akira film rights have reverted to Kodansha after a long stint with Warner Bros. The rights lapsed, and now Kodansha holds them again. This shift marks a significant change, offering a potential reset for the project. It’s a relief for fans who feared Hollywood’s touch might dilute the essence of the 1988 anime classic.
Per Deadline…
The Burbank, CA lot has had the movie rights since 2002 with directors like Stephen Norrington, Albert Hughes, Jaume Collet-Serra and Taika Waititi circling. Leonardo DiCaprio’s Appian way was circling and at one point, Akira, had an $18.5M California Tax credit. Boardwalk Empire star Michael Pitt was even attached to the project at one point, and then Garret Hedlund. Kristen Stewart, Helena Bonham-Carter and Ken Watanabe even kicked the tires on Akira.
What Happened with Taika Waititi and Akira?
Taika Waititi is no longer part of the Akira equation. He was once attached to direct, but his lack of full commitment led to his departure. This development is crucial, as fans had mixed feelings about his involvement, given his recent projects. His exit is a pivotal moment, clearing the path for new possibilities.
How Are Fans Reacting to Akira Being Safe from Taika Waititi?
Taika Waititi is no longer part of the Akira equation. He was once attached to direct, but his lack of full commitment led to his departure. This development is crucial, as fans had mixed feelings about his involvement, particularly given his track record with comedic films like What We Do in the Shadows and Thor: Ragnarok.
His exit is a pivotal moment, clearing the path for new possibilities, especially considering Akira‘s serious and intense narrative.
Fans are breathing a collective sigh of relief. Social media is abuzz with relief, with posts like “Thank god, Waititi was the wrong choice” and “Akira dodged a bullet.” The sentiment reflects a desire to preserve the integrity of the original work.
What’s Next for the Akira Live-Action Film?
The future of Akira remains uncertain, but the reversion to Kodansha offers a fresh start. Speculation suggests a return to Japanese production, potentially aligning closer to the source material. The change is a beacon of hope for fans who want Akira to remain true to its roots.
News compiled and edited by Derek Gibbs and Steven Bubbles. Follow us on ClownfishTV.com for more gaming, pop culture, and tech news, and consider subscribing for only $5 per month to get access to exclusive podcasts and other content.
Sources (in order of importance, with article names and dates):
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Deadline (June 28, 2025): “Akira Live-Action Film Rights Revert to Kodansha”
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The Hollywood Reporter (June 29, 2025): “Warner Bros Loses Akira Rights”
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MovieWeb (June 29, 2025): “Taika Waititi No Longer Directing Akira”
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Variety (June 30, 2025): “Implications of Akira Rights Reversion”
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Anime News Network (July 1, 2025): “Fan Reactions to Akira Developments”
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Wikipedia: “Akira (1988 film)”
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Reddit threads on r/anime
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X posts on Akira and Taika Waititi
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