Taika Waititi’s name has been attached to a live-action adaptation of the iconic manga Akira for years, and while the project has faced numerous delays, his vision for the film remains intriguing. What sets Waititi’s approach apart is his explicit intention to steer clear of the revered 1988 anime film, instead drawing inspiration directly from Katsuhiro Otomo’s original manga series. This promise alone is enough to excite fans who have long waited for a faithful and fresh take on the cyberpunk classic.
A Manga-First Approach
Eschewing the Anime Remake
Waititi has been clear that he doesn’t want to create a remake of the anime movie. He has stated on multiple occasions his desire to adapt the original manga. This approach marks a significant departure from previous attempts to bring Akira to the big screen, many of which have been heavily influenced by the anime’s visual style and narrative choices. Waititi has expressed his love for the anime film, noting that his mother took him to see it when he was 13, and it changed his life, but he believes that a direct adaptation of the manga is the best way forward.
Diving Deep into the Source Material
The Akira manga, which spans over 2000 pages and six volumes, offers a much richer and more complex narrative than the condensed anime version. Waititi plans to explore this depth, promising a more nuanced and comprehensive adaptation. This includes delving into the intricate political and social themes explored in the manga, which were not fully developed in the anime.
Differences and Departures
Setting and Character Changes
Early reports suggest that Waititi’s Akira will feature significant changes from the anime, including the setting and character backgrounds. Instead of Neo-Tokyo, the film is rumored to be set in Neo-Manhattan. Furthermore, Kaneda, the main protagonist, is not a biker gang leader, but rather a bartender. Tetsuo, Kaneda’s close friend in the anime, will be depicted as Kaneda’s brother. These changes signal a desire to reimagine the story within a new cultural context while still maintaining its core themes.
A Focus on Diversity
Another key aspect of Waititi’s vision is his commitment to a diverse cast that accurately reflects the ethnicity of the characters in the manga. This is a welcome change from the “white-washing” controversies that have plagued other live-action anime adaptations. Waititi has expressed a desire to cast unknown Asian actors in the lead roles, which is a stark contrast to the rumored casting choices that plagued early development phases.
The Long Road to Production
Development Hell
The live-action Akira adaptation has been in development hell for over two decades. Warner Bros. has owned the rights since 2002 and has faced numerous challenges getting the film off the ground. Several directors, including Stephen Norrington, Ruairí Robinson, Albert Hughes, and Jaume Collet-Serra, have been attached to the project at various times, but none have been able to bring it to fruition.
Taika Waititi’s Involvement
Taika Waititi was officially confirmed as director in May 2019, with a planned release date for 2021. However, his commitment to direct Thor: Love and Thunder put the project on hold. As of now, while Waititi remains attached to Akira, his current schedule remains busy, with no immediate start date for filming. He has stated he aims to begin working on the film again after completing his upcoming Star Wars film.
The Challenges of Adaptation
Adapting Akira is no easy task. The manga’s complex narrative and the anime’s iconic status present unique challenges for any filmmaker. The scale of the world, the intricate political intrigue, and the philosophical themes make it a tough project. The need to balance faithfulness to the source material with the demands of a modern Hollywood production requires a delicate approach. The project has faced budgetary concerns, casting issues, and creative differences.
Why This Approach is Promising
A Fresh Perspective
Waititi’s desire to adapt the manga, rather than remake the anime, signals a fresh perspective on the Akira story. This avoids the pitfall of creating a simple retread of the anime that could be accused of being a soulless recreation.
Deeper Storytelling
By utilizing the manga as the primary source material, Waititi has the opportunity to delve into aspects of the narrative that the anime had to gloss over, adding depth and nuance to the characters and their relationships. The manga includes more backstory on the characters and the political and social background of Neo-Tokyo. This could lead to a richer, more satisfying cinematic experience.
Honoring the Source
Waititi has also said he will be honoring the original source material by casting Asian actors in the leading roles. This commitment to diversity is an essential part of making the adaptation relevant and engaging for a modern audience. He plans to cast new, unknown actors, which avoids the risk of audiences not taking the actors seriously because of their more well-known roles.
A Distinct Vision
Taika Waititi’s past work, including Thor: Ragnarok, demonstrates his ability to blend action, humor, and heart, and it signals that his Akira will be a unique and engaging film. His style is distinct and can add a fresh feel to the cyberpunk genre.
Conclusion
Taika Waititi’s promise that his Akira adaptation will be nothing like the 1988 anime is a bold and exciting proposition. By focusing on the original manga, embracing diversity, and bringing his unique directorial vision, Waititi has the potential to create a truly memorable and authentic adaptation. While the film remains in development, the idea of an Akira that breaks free from the anime’s shadow offers a glimmer of hope for a faithful and innovative take on this beloved story.
