New Feature "Akira" due in Vancouver Spring of 2012

It looks like 2012 is going to be another year of Comic Book remake releases with sequels of "Spiderman" and "Superman" hitting theaters and now the remake of the popular Japanese Anime SiFi feature "Akira".

There have been rumors swirling around like tiny dust devils, causing little damage but enough power for some people to take notice.  The new "Akira" is part one of a two part anime feature that was first made in 1988 and was written and directed by manga artist Katsuhiro Ohtomo.  It is a six volume graphic novel.   In the 2013 Akira, Katsuhiro Ohtomo is one of the writers and manga artist.


Leonardo DeCaprio's production company Appian Way (Red Riding Hood) will work with Mad Chance and  Legendary Productions and Warner Brothers Pictures will distribute the finished product in 2013.


According to IMDB, "Part one of a two-part live action adaptation of the 1988 anime film, "Akira", in which the leader of a biker gang tries to save his kidnapped friend from a powerful supernatural experiment".


This production is slated to begin filming in Vancouver this spring and a recent casting notice from Acting Auditions lists cast and production notes.  The story takes place in fictitious city named New Manhattan.


 Kristen Stewart (Twilight Saga) stars as Ky Reed, "a powerful medium who cannot channel psychic powers of her own but channels powers of others through her body".




Garrett Hedlund who co-starred with Kristen Stewart in "On The Road"  will star as one of the brothers, Kaneda and is the main protagonist in part one.



Helen Bonham Carter (Bellatrix Lastrange - Harry Potter) is rumored to star as Lady Miyako and Ken Watanabe stars as the Colonel in charge of government experiments.



Spanish filmmaker Jaume Collet - Serra  is set to direct part-one. His recent work includes directing "Unknown" with Liam Neeson and January Jones.   Jared Padalecki from Vancouver shot Supernatural once worked with Juame Collet- Serra in the 2005 horror flick, "House of Wax".

If and when Kristen Stewart arrives in Vancouver, you can bet your bippi that her love interest, Robert Pattinson will be making a few on set visits.  Once again all eyes will be on Vancouver while one of Hollywood's most popular power couples shun the spotlight and make a game of dodging the eager paparazzi.   I can't wait.