‘Akira’ Director Albert Hughes Drops Out

When it rains it pours, more bad news for Warner Brother’s live-action “Akira” adaptation. “Akira” director Albert Hughes is leaving the project according to a report by Deadline.

The “Book of Eli” director will depart the much troubled upcoming adaption of the Manga classic due to “amicable creative differences.” Not much else is known.

This marks the most recent hitch for the adaptation, which had also seen front runner Keanu Reeves turn down the role of Kaneda, the leader of a biker gang and lead role in the film. It’s not all doom and gloom for the adaptation however. WB is still interested in adapting it and are already seeking a replacement for Hughes.

In addition to looking for a new director, WB will also go back to their original short list of actors for the lead roles of Kaneda and Tetsuo:

For Tetsuo – Robert Pattinson, Andrew Garfield and James McAvoy.
For Kaneda – Garrett Hedlund, Michael Fassbender, Chris Pine, Justin Timberlake and Joaquin Phoenix.

Source: Deadline