Those hoping to someday see the world ofAkirabrought to the big screen in live-action will need to wait a whole lot longer, as Warner Bros. has removed the project from its release schedule entirely. The studio recently did some shifting with its release date calendar, firming up its plans for 2020 and 2021. Originally,Akirawas supposed to arrive in time for summer 2021. That’s no longer the case.
Warner Bros. has setThe Matrix 4to arrive on July 03, 2025, which had been the date set aside for theAkiralive-action remake. Instead, it will go to one of the most successful franchises in the studio’s long history. As for the adaptation of the beloved manga,Taika Waititi is still on board to direct. The idea had been for him to helmAkirabefore moving ontoThor: Love and Thunderat Marvel. However, the production schedules got pushed a little too close together and that didn’t come to pass. Waititi did express that he fully intends to circle back to the project after his next adventure in the MCU is complete.
Even though many fans are likely to be upset about this news, the fact thatWarner Bros. pulled Akira from its scheduleisn’t too surprising. Back in July, production was delayed indefinitely, just when it seemed things were finally gearing up for real this time.Akirahas been with the studio since 2002, with various filmmakers becoming attached and subsequently departing along the way. Taika Waititi, given the success ofThor: Ragnarok, seemed like the right guy for the job. And he very well may still be. But withThor: Love and Thundernot hitting theaters until August 12, 2025, it’s going to be a while.
There is another interesting element to this release date shuffle. As it just so happens, Lionsgate had previously setJohn Wick 4to open onMay 21, 2021. That means, assuming things stick (but it’s possible something could change between now and then), it’s going to be Keanu Reeves vs Keanu Reeves at the box office that weekend. Reeves will be battling against himself in two of his most iconic franchises. One can only hope this ends up happening, as it’s surely going to be fun to watch. Warner Bros. also set a release date forThe Flashsolo movie and bumped up the release of the newMortal Kombat.
Akirais based on themanga series by Katsuhiro Otomo. The book was previously turned into an acclaimed anime, which was released in 1988. Leonardo DiCaprio is currently on board to produce the movie. Whether or not he’s still involved when the movie finally gets the green light is another question entirely. We’ll be sure to keep you posted as further details on the live-action version are made available. This news was previously reported byThe Wrap.
