It was recently reported that Thor: Ragnarok director Taiki Waititi was being courted to tackle WB’s long in-development Akira adaption.
While speaking with IGN, Taiki revealed he has had talks with the studio and he’s “passionate” about the material wanting to adapt the six volume manga, not anime film.
“I actually love the books. Love the movie, but I would not do a remake of the movie. I would do an adaptation of the books.”
He also mentions whitewashing the story or characters wouldn’t be his approach (WB has been trying to whitewash in multiple previous incarnations). Doubling-down he would be seeking to cast unknown Asian teens.
“Yeah, actually Asian teenagers would be the way to do it for me and probably no, not, like no name, I mean sort of unfound, untapped talent.”
We have no idea when WB will get around making this or if Taiki will officially sign on. But at least there is a chance WB has learned their lessons trying to whitewash this Japanese property.
SOURCE: IGN