WB takes franchise turn with 'Akira'
Studio to adapt classic anime story
Warner Bros. will turn anime artist Katsuhiro Otomos 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.
WB, which had the Akira rights several years ago, only to let them lapse and then recapture them in a spirited bidding battle, is planning a twin-bill that the filmmakers have described as Blade Runner meets City of God.
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 Lazars Mad Chance will produce with Appian Ways Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Davisson.
Each feature will be comprised of three of the books in Otomos series. The drama takes place in New Manhattan, a metropolis that was rebuilt after being destroyed 31 years ago.
Robinson, an Irish helmer who has been Oscar-nominated for his short film and commercials work, is making his feature debut.
The project was brought in by exec veep Greg Silverman, who has supervised 300 and Batman Begins.
Lazar is producer on the WB comedy Get Smart, and hes about to start production on the Jim Carrey-starrer I Love You Phillip Morris for Europacorp and Fox Searchlight.
Appian Way is producing the John Cusack-starrer The Factory for WB and Dark Castle.
t: ) a little "old" for the part but that's high caliber actors that whe have there 
