Jordan Peele in talks to direct 'Akira'

Image from Digital Trends

By Darian Scalamoni

            With Ghost in the Shell being released today, it seems that another live-action film based on an anime is imminent. Akira is one of the most popular anime ever and has been in development for years now but Warner Bros. might have their hands on a terrific up-and-coming filmmaker to direct. According to The Tracking Board, Jordan Peele (Get Out) is in talks to handle the beloved anime property.

            It was just a few weeks ago that Daniel Espinosa (Life, Safe House) and David F. Sandberg (Lights Out, Shazam!) were the frontrunners for the directing job on this film but it seems the tide has turned and probably because Peele’s debut feature, Get Out is one of the best and most profitable films of the year thus far. The story follows the leader of a biker gang named Kaneda as he teams up with a resistance members to fight his friend who is threatening to use his psychic powers for evil deeds on his city. It’s a property that is cherished by many hardcore fans though and Peele should be careful tackling such a project.

            Akira was supposed to shoot years ago with Jaume Collet-Serra (Non-Stop, The Shallows) directing and Kristen Stewart and Garrett Hedlund starring but it was pulled by Warner Bros. at the last minute. The film will be produced by Leonardo DiCaprio and his production company, Appian Way. Peele’s Get Out managed to make over $150 million and counting on a $5 million budget so putting him in charge of a big-budget film like this (or maybe even a DC film) makes sense for the socially relevant and impressive director.