'Akira' Finally Coming to Life: Script Sent Out to Actors

The long-gestating live-action adaptation of'Akira,'Khasatsuhiro Otomo's six-volume graphic novel about bikers and psionic kids involved in a secret military project in a futuristic, post-apocalyptic Neo-Tokyo, is now picking up steam for Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures.

According toDeadline,a rewrite by Steve Kloves was sent to director Albert Hughes, and the script has been sent out to two sets of actors for the two main characters: Tetsuo Shima (to Robert Pattinson, Andrew Garfield and James McAvoy) and Shôtarô Kaneda (to Garrett Hedlund, Michael Fassbender, Chris Pine, Justin Timberlake and Joaquin Phoenix).

The film -- which has its story transposed from Japan to a New Manhattan -- is scheduled for an August start. The studio acquired the rights some two years ago in a seven-figure deal.

'Akira' was first adapted for the screen in 1988 as an animated feature by Otomo, who also directed.

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