Nothing like watching some AKIRA.
© Toho

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DiCaprio & WB Developing AKIRA Movies

Variety reports that Warner Bros. will turn anime artist Katsuhiro Otomo's six-volume graphic novel masterwork Akira into two live action feature films, the first of which is being fast tracked for release in summer 2009. The studio first had the rights several years ago but let them drop and as anime/manga has been picking up, they decided to fight for (and win) the bidding war once again.

The upcoming twin-bill is being described as Blade Runner meets City of God. The studio has closed a seven-figure rights acquisition deal with Kodansha, and has set Ruairi Robinson to direct a script by Gary Whitta (Book of Eli). Andrew Lazar's Mad Chance will produce with Appian Way's Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Davisson.

Plot Concept: Each feature will be comprised of three of the books in Otomo's series. The drama takes place in "New Manhattan," a metropolis that was rebuilt after being destroyed 31 years ago.