Keanu Reeves Passes On Live-Action ‘Akira’ Role

Keanu Reeves who had been in talks to star in the Albert Hughes directed live-action adaptation of “Akira” has decided to pass on the role.

For the past two weeks Reeves was the frontrunner to star and play Kaneda, a member of a biker gang in a cyberpunk dystopia future in the live-action American adaptation of the popular manga series created by Katsushiro Otomo.

Although Reeves did not provide an explanation as to why he passed on such an iconic role, rumors have it that is due to the troubles the film was having. An allegation that Warner Bros. have since denied:

“Production on ‘Akira’ has not halted or been shut down as the film has not yet been greenlit and is still very much in the development stage. The exploratory process is crucial to a project of this magnitude, and we will continue to sculpt our approach to making the best possible film.”

Meanwhile, Reeves will star in “47 Ronin” which hits theaters next November. Following that Reeves will reprise his role as Ted in third installment of “Bill & Ted” which is currently still in early development with no timetable of release.

Source: Joblo