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Despite Taika Waititi‘s already heavy portfolio, the Kiwi director keeps adding to his slate of movies and other franchise projects, the most recent one being a live-action Judge Dredd film. The violent and bleak comic satire, which became hugely popular in the UK since its launch in the late 1970s, has been a Hollywood pet project for the longest time.

In the past, Sylvester Stallone tried and failed while Karl Urban somewhat succeeded in bringing the comic book character to life. However, this time around, the project will be a collaboration of the action-fanatic mind of Drew Pearce and the eccentric genius of Taika Waititi (The Hollywood Reporter).

But despite the made-to-be-successful pairing of the two, the future of Judge Dredd looks as bleak in reality as it does in the comics. And Waititi’s growing list of the following undeveloped projects is to blame for the growing suspicion...

Intended or not, the Criterion Channel’s programming of Maurice Pialat and Michael Roemer pairs two auteurs who spoke the same death-riddled language. August’s lineup will bring nine features and one short from the former, four features and one documentary by the latter, while series on Sammo Hung and Bigas Luna will combine the misery with something poppier, sexier, more violent––the perfect way to close out summer.

On the series side, “’90s Soundtrack Movies” finds the overlap between Lost Highway and Pump Up the Volume; a highlight of Martin Scorsese’s World Cinema Project features major works like Kalpana and Chess of the Wind; and a new anime program starts with Ghost in the Shell and Paprika. Criterion Editions feature The Red Balloon, Prince of Broadway, Thirty Two Short Films About Glenn Gould, Trainspotting, Eastern Condors, and Deep Cover. Restorations of Michael Imperioli’s The Hungry Ghosts, Christophe Honoré’s Ma mère,...

Live-action remakes of anime can be…let’s be generous and say hit and miss. Adapting such a fluid form of storytelling for the real world hasn’t always clicked, and there have been a lot of bad adaptations along the way (look at the live-action Ghost in the Shell remake).

So it’s not too big a shock that Warner Bros. Discovery has confirmed that, after almost two decades of futile attempts, they’re finally giving up on a live-action version of Akira, one of the most iconic anime movies of all time. The Hollywood Reporter confirms that Warner Bros has allowed the rights to the story to lapse and return to the original creator/owners, Kodansha. That leaves it up for grabs for anyone else who wants to tackle the tale.

First published in manga form in 1982, Katsuhiro Otomo's Akira became a landmark anime movie in 1988. The...

Taika Waititi and numerous other directors tried and failed to adapt Akira for Warner Bros. Here’s why it may have been a good thing that it didn’t happen.

After almost a quarter of a century of ideas, concepts and planning, Warner Bros has finally decided to draw a line under Akira – its long-planned adaptation of a much-loved manga series and animated film.

We’ve heard stories about development hell before – the years of rewrites and false starts it took before Total Recall finally happened in 1990. The versions of Dune and Planet Of The Apes that were worked on but never emerged. Even compared to those, though, it’s hard to think of many other productions that have had so much time and money spent on them with no publicly viewable end result.

Warner Bros first announced that it had acquired the rights to Akira from Japanese company Kodansha...

Warner Bros. has lost the live-action movie rights to Akira after more than two decades of stalled development.

The rights have officially reverted to Kodansha, the Japanese publisher behind the original manga created by Katsuhiro Otomo in 1982, according to an exclusive report by The Hollywood Reporter.

Kodansha is now reportedly preparing to relaunch the project, with producers and talent already lining up to pitch new versions to studios and streaming platforms.

Related:

Akira Creator Reveals He Is Working On A New Manga

Warner Bros. first acquired the live-action rights to Akira in 2002, envisioning a Hollywood adaptation of Katsuhiro Otomo’s postapocalyptic cyberpunk manga.

The studio initially tapped Blade director Stephen Norrington, followed by a long string of creatives that included Gary Whitta, Mark Fergus, Steve Kloves, the Hughes brothers, and Jaume Collet-Sera.

Over the years, the project was derailed by creative differences, budget concerns, and backlash over casting choices.

One...

After 23 years, millions of dollars and numerous filmmakers coming and going, Warner Bros has failed to make Akira happen.

One day, a Hollywood studio may finally get a live-action adaptation of Akira made. It just won’t come courtesy of Warner Bros, even though the studio has spent more than two decades developing a take on Katsuhiro Otomo’s classic manga and 1988 animated film.

After picking up the rights in 2002, burning through plenty of high-grade Hollywood talent and spending who knows how many millions of dollars, it seems that the studio has conceded that there’s no way to make an Akira adaptation work because the balance between commercial appeal and reverence for the source material is just too difficult to achieve.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Warner Bros has allowed its hold over the rights to lapse, even though one of the project’s producers, Andrew Lazar, was saying...

Among the string of live-action anime adaptations created over the past few years, one that has consistently avoided significant advancements in the pre-production stage is an adaptation of Katsuhiro Otomo's seminal work, Akira. Originally published from 1982 to 1990, Akira is a cyberpunk post-apocalyptic story that revolves around several different figures in Japan's crumbling society, whether it be through the teenage biker gang led by Shotaro Kaneda, the revolutionary Kei, or the Military leader Colonel Shikishima. While there has been some news about Akira moving forward at Warner Bros., it seems that the project is finally dead in the water.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the rights to Akira have finally reverted to its original publisher, Kodansha Comics. Warner Bros. had first acquired the rights to Akira all the way back in 2002, and in the 23 years since then, a revolving door of writers and directors have been attached to the project.

Warner Bros. Discovery has surrendered the long-held screen rights to Katsuhiro Otomo’s cyber-punk classic Akira, allowing the property to revert to Japanese publisher Kodansha after 23 years of fitful development. The lapse—first reported by The Hollywood Reporter and echoed across entertainment outlets—instantly ended Taika Waititi’s stalled live-action adaptation and cleared the way for Kodansha to court fresh studio and streamer bids.

Warner Bros. bought the rights in 2002 and spent tens of millions cycling through directors including Stephen Norrington, the Hughes brothers, Jaume Collet-Serra, Jordan Peele and, most recently, Waititi, without ever rolling cameras. Attempts to “Westernise” Neo-Tokyo—at one point renamed New Manhattan—regularly drew criticism and were cited in leaked scripts for deviating sharply from Otomo’s themes.

Waititi’s version, announced in 2017 with a $150 million budget and a 2019 California shoot, was postponed when the filmmaker pivoted to Thor: Love and Thunder and other projects. By...

After more than two decades of languishing in Development Hell, Warner Bros. has finally relinquished the rights to Katsuhiro Otomo's seminal Cyberpunk manga, Akira, which had Taika Waititi attached to direct.

THR is reporting that the studio has decided not to move forward with the project, and have allowed the rights to the property to revert back to Kodansha, the publisher that first put out the original manga back in 1982. According to the trade, "producers and talent are said to be lining up to attach themselves to the property in preparation to be presented to select studio and streamers."

The news that Waititi was still planning to move forward with his Akira movie was met with a mixed response back in 2023 - especially after the lukewarm reception to Love and Thunder - but the filmmaker has revealed that he is a huge fan of the manga/anime, and that...

The possibility of a live-action take of the 1988 anime movie Akira from Warner Bros is no longer, as Deadline has confirmed that the right have lapsed, now reverted back to manga publisher Kodansha.

The movie directed by Katsuhiro Ôtomo follows teenage biker gang member who turns into a rampaging psychic psychopath after a secret military project endangers Neo-Tokyo. The protag learns he has telekinetic abilities which are dangerous to the word. His best friend is the only guy who can stop him.

The Burbank, CA lot has had the movie rights since 2002 with directors like Stephen Norrington, Albert Hughes, Jaume Collet-Serra and Taika Waititi circling. Leonardo DiCaprio’s Appian way was circling and at one point, Akira, had an $18.5M California Tax credit. Boardwalk Empire star Michael Pitt was even attached to the project at one point, and then Garret Hedlund. Kristen Stewart, Helena Bonham-Carter and Ken Watanabe even kicked the tires on Akira.

After six years of near-silence, the live-action anime adaptation of Akira by Marvel filmmaker Taika Waititi is officially dead at Warner Bros. Discovery. The live-action film rights to the critically acclaimed anime movie will now leave Wbd after over two decades of development hell.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Wbd has officially lost the rights to make a live-action movie based on Akira, the celebrated 1982 manga by Katsuhiro Otomo, which inspired the revolutionary 1988 anime film also directed by Otomo and produced by the studio behind Detective Conan, Tms Entertainment. Anime and manga media conglomerate Kodansha will now regain the film rights to the post-apocalyptic cyberpunk with the intent of finding another buyer. The THR report states that numerous producers and talents are already lining up for the chance to produce a live-action Akira movie. Wbd's loss is now potentially another Hollywood studio's gain.

Wbd’s Live-Action Akira Movie Comes to...

Warner Bros. has been trying to develop a live-action adaptation of Katsuhiro Otomo’s Akira for over twenty years, but THR reports that the studio has given up the movie rights. The studios spent millions (well into the eight figures) on the project over the years, but it’s all come to an end. The rights have now reverted to Kodansha, the manga publisher that first released the cyberpunk story. The report states that a variety of producers and talent are already preparing to pitch their take on the project.

Warner Bros. first picked up the rights to Akira in 2002 and signed Stephen Norrington (Blade) to direct. But as we know, things went nowhere fast. A revolving door of writers and directors followed, including Albert and Allen Hughes (From Hell), Garry Whitta (Rogue One), Jaume Collet-Serra (Carry On), and more. The project was followed by accusations of whitewashing throughout, as...

Akira's motorcycle has once again stalled out on the road to a live-action adaptation. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Warner Bros. has given up the film rights to the classic cyberpunk manga and anime feature after over 20 years of trying to put together a new spin. The rights have been returned to the original manga publisher Kodansha, and, reportedly, interested producers and creatives are already gearing up to make their case to take on the legendary Japanese story ahead of it being presented to prospective buyers. Given its legacy as one of the most recognizable and influential anime films to ever release, it's bound to be a white-hot commodity as another studio tries to do what Warner Bros. couldn't.

That Warner Bros. finally let Akira go is a bit of a shocker considering just how much time and effort the studio has put into bringing Neo-Tokyo to life. Since...

Riding into Neo-Tokyo is going to take a little bit longer.

After more than two decades of developing a live-action take on Japanese sci-fi classic Akira, Warner Bros. has let go of the movie rights.

The rights have reverted back to Kodansha, the manga publisher that first put out the postapocalyptic cyberpunk story by Katsuhiro Otomo in 1982. Producers and talent are said to be lining up to attach themselves to the property in preparation to be presented to select studio and streamers.

First appearing as a genre-defining manga that ran throughout the 1980s, Akira is best known as the seminal 1988 anime that was a defining moment for adult animation and Japanese culture in terms of reaching a worldwide audience.

Warners picked up the movie rights in 2002 and set Blade filmmaker Stephen Norrington to direct an adaptation, with Jon Peters producing.

What followed is one of the longest development hell escapades in Hollywood history,...

Since its launch in 2004 in Kawaguchi City, Saitama Prefecture, the Skip City International D‑Cinema Festival has served as a gateway for emerging talent, discovering and supporting new voices in cinema. It has helped launch the careers of notable filmmakers such as Kei Ishikawa (A Pale View of Hills), Kazuya Shiraishi (Lesson in Murder), Ryota Nakano (The Asadas), Shinichiro Ueda (One Cut of the Dead), and Shinzo Katayama (Missing).

For its 22nd edition in 2025, the festival will be held over nine days from Friday, July 18 to Saturday, July 26 at Skip City in Kawaguchi, Saitama, and will return fully to theatrical screenings—online screenings will not be available. Starting this year, the Competition will focus exclusively on Japanese films, spotlighting the next generation of visual creators. From 271 submissions, 13 films were selected. Director Kei Ishikawa, a leading figure in Japanese cinema, will serve as Jury President. As part of the special feature Pathways to Directing Commercial Films,...

There are few films as generation-defining as "Ghost in the Shell," a pillar in the cyberpunk genre, and one of the most influential anime movies of all time. There is a reason the Wachowski sisters were heavily inspired by "Ghost in the Shell" when working on "The Matrix."

Based on Masamune Shirow's manga of the same name, "Ghost in the Shell" is set in Japan in the mid-21st century, at a time when most people have some sort of cybernetic implants and a cyberbrain that allows the public to interact with various networks using their brain. The story follows he members of Public Security Sector 9, a counter-cyberterrorist organization that solves and prevents crime involving cybernetics.

The original 1995 movie remains a true classic. This is one of the best movies about AI ever made, a film with immaculate production design and animation, and one that explores themes still relevant 30 years later.

Everyone loves a good Black Mirror episode, and when the Netflix series is on hiatus, fans often like to find other TV shows or movies that are about similar themes. As you probably know, stories that center around our relationship with technology pre-date the British anthology series, and one movie that tackled the subject pretty well is just coming to a new streaming home. Manie-Manie: Neo Tokyo is an anthology movie that first premiered in 1987, and it's now available to stream on Crunchyroll.

Manie-Manie New Tokyo tells three separate stories, which were written and directed by different artists that went on to become some of the biggest names in Japanese filmmaking. The team includes Yoshiaki Kawajiri, who later wrote and directed Ninja Scroll and Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust; Katsuhiro Otomo, who wrote and directed Steamboy and the anime classic Akira; and Rintaro, who helmed the anime reimagination of Metropolis. Needless to say,...

Brad Pitt’s upcoming movie, F1, is about to speed into theaters, and it’s got a fun nod to an anime legend! F1 is set to be released on June 27, 2025, and it is a racing flick that has got everyone buzzing because of a rad cast like Kerry Condon and Javier Bardem.

But do you know what the real buzz right now? The film’s new poster has also sparked some discussion from a flurry of anime fans due to its aesthetic similarities to an iconic film from the 1980s.

Yes, we are talking about Akira, the 1988 anime classic that beautifully captures the story of a biker gang. The latest poster of the F1 looks like it is totally influenced by Akira, with that combination of racing and cyberpunk aesthetics.

F1 movie’s latest poster has an Akira-like design

So, in F1‘s poster, there is Brad Pitt in a racing suit,...

Do you think anime’s just for otaku teens with manga and collectibles? Well, think again. Literally, you’d be surprised to know how many Hollywood stars are totally hooked on it. Yep, we’re actually talking about full-blown anime fans, who love binge-watching and merch-buying. From action heroes who’re obsessed with Dragon Ball Z to rom-com queens crushing on Spirited Away, these A-list stars aren’t just dabbling, they’re deep in it.

It turns out that they’ve quoted anime in interviews, rock Naruto gear, and have even debated subs vs dubs like true fans. Of course, it’s not just a hobby, it’s a passion. All anime lovers know that this genre has officially gone from a mere niche to an A-list, and these stars are proudly flying their fandom flags. So, when you’re watching Attack on Titan next time, just know that one...

Joseph Kosinski's F1 movie is quickly shaping up to be one of 2025's most anticipated releases. The film stars Brad Pitt as an aging driver who is brought in as part of Mercedes' team for the new Formula 1 season. The trailers have highlighted the high-octane racing scenes, most of which were shot in-camera. The latest promo also embraces the petrol-headed nature of the movie by referencing a classic anime film with one of the most iconic racing scenes in cinema.

The newest poster for F1 was shared by Dolby Cinema's official X (formerly Twitter) account, and anime fans were pleasantly surprised with the new promo. The minimally designed poster features Brad Pitt walking away from his Formula 1 car, which is half cut off at the top of the poster, along with the movie's logo in bold at the bottom. At first glance, it's a minimalistic poster like many others.

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There's something about young adult fiction that seems well-suited for dystopian stories, as exemplified by the "Divergent" novels by Veronica Roth. Adapted into a film series starting in 2014, the science fiction story had protagonist Tris Prior (Shailene Woodley) rise from humble origins in the face of an authoritarian government. Tris joins and inspires a resistance movement to topple the regime, using her unique gifts to rally her supporters. And while the "Divergent" movies may have ended prematurely, without concluding its story, there are plenty of similar films that do present a complete story.

Many of the movies on this are dystopian science fiction, with the main characters often freedom fighters defying various tyrannies. These often involve a cataclysmic incident that facilitated a dark rise to power, with younger generations saving the day from older despots. On numerous occasions, these films are adaptations of beloved books,...

“Expect an update about it in the next couple of months,” says an Akira producer, reviving interest in a project long been considered dead.

Given just how poorly Taika Waititi’s Thor: Love And Thunder was received in 2022, it wasn’t particularly surprising when talk of Taika Waititi helming several big franchises seemed to stall. News on his planned Star Wars film went quiet, as did any further chatter regarding his adaptation of Akira, Katsuhiro Otomo’s beloved Japanese anime (and manga) that has long been considered unfilmable, despite a host of filmmakers at Warner Bros making attempts to get it up and running.

Jordan Peele was said to be involved at one point; Taika Waititi was definitely attached; Justin Lin, Daniel Espinosa, Stephen Norrington, David Sanberg, Ruairi Robinson, Jaume Collet-Serra and Albert Hughes are other directors who at one point or another have been involved in a project which...

The Star Wars Celebration event in Japan may have concluded, but exciting news concerning that infamous galaxy far, far away continues to trickle in.

Screen Rant had the opportunity to speak with Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy at the event, and she offered a promising update on the long-awaited Star Wars film being helmed by the award-winning Taika Waititi.

While fans eagerly anticipate Waititi's unique vision for the franchise, Kennedy clarified that the primary factor delaying the start of production is the director's own busy schedule.

"Taika is on Taika time," Kennedy playfully admitted to to the site. "I’ve just continually said to him, look, when you feel that you’re ready and you can really devote the time, we’re going to do it. We’ll be waiting. I’m just hoping we get there. That will be a great Star Wars movie."

Adding an intriguing layer to the project,...

Globally popular American rapper and record producer, Kanye West, also known as Ye is one of the most controversial personalities out there. He is known for a lot of things and one of them is his love for anime. From using these anime series and movies for inspiration to sampling their scores for his music, Ye has proved his love for anime time and time again.

However, when it comes to his favorite anime, Ye decided to go with Akira, the wildly popular cyberpunk action anime movie, which came out in 1988. Akira is one of the most recognized anime movies in the world, which had a box office collection of $49 million when it initially came out. There are many other celebrities who have expressed their love for it.

Ye has been quite vocal about his love for Akira as he has expressed it multiple times on his social media handles.

Producer Andrew Lazar has been working on getting a live-action Akira film off the ground for some 20 years now.

Filmmakers have come and gone, but the project has been quiet for several years. In a recent interview, Moovy TV asked Lazar for an update.

“There’s no update, but I expect we’ll have one in the next couple of months,” Lazar says. “So I think you can expect an update in the next couple of months.”

Not much, but we’ll take it!

Lazar is producing under his Mad Chance Productions along with Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Davisson via their Appian Way Productions. Warner Bros. will distribute.

Taika Waititi was the most recent director attached, although it’s unclear if he’s still on board.

The influential 1998 anime is directed by Katsuhiro Otomo from a script he co-wrote with Izo Hashimoto, based on Otomo’s 1982 manga of the same name.

It's been many, many years since we last heard of the Akira live-action adaptation, and fans felt like it was dead in the water again. However, during a recent interview, the movie's producer Andrew Lazar provided an unexpected update on the movie and even teased when fans should keep their eyes peeled for the next piece of news.

The comment came during a sit-down with Moovy TV, in which the producer was promoting Prime Video's new movie G20. When casually asked about Akira, Lazar stated that at the moment there isn't anything to say but provided a huge hint that suggests the project is very much alive. He stated:

"There's no update, but I expect we'll have one in the next couple of months. So I think you can expect an update in the next couple of months."

Considering how long the project has been in radio silence, fans will...

Live-action Akira is back? Yup. We can’t believe it either. Can you even believe that it’s now been like two decades or so since Hollywood initially considered creating a live-action adaptation of that old 1988 anime classic, Akira? And ever since 2002, the project has been stuck in a vicious cycle of “It’s actually happening!” and then “Nope, kidding, we’re delaying it again.”.

Now, against all odds (and honestly against many fans’ wishes), it looks like Akira might finally be rising from development hell. Producer Andrew Lazar, the same guy who did American Sniper and that new action movie G20, recently teased that some major updates are on the way.

A quick reminder: Why Akira is a big deal!

Before we take this crazy ride, let’s take a quick recap: Akira is not your typical anime. It’s a full-on sci-fi gem that actually popularized Japanese animation big-time worldwide.

The long-awaited live-action adaptation of Akira has finally received a rare positive update. The new information comes after years of silence from producer Andrew Lazar, who recently revealed that fans can expect more substantial news about the project "in the next couple of months."

Via a Moovy TV interview, Taika Waititi -- the New Zealand director known for directing Thor: Ragnarok and Thor: Love and Thunder, along with other movies like Jojo Rabbit -- remains attached to the adaptation, with Leonardo DiCaprio serving as producer. Despite numerous failed attempts to bring the iconic anime and manga franchise to live-action form over the past 25 years, this latest iteration appears to be moving forward.

Thor: Ragnarok Director Still Attached to Long-Awaited Anime & Manga Live-Action Movie

The road to producing a live-action adaptation of the landmark manga series and 1988 anime film has been a bumpy one, to say the least. Waititi's involvement was...

Unbelievably, it has now been almost a quarter of a century since a live-action adaptation of the 1988 cult smash-hit Akira first entered development hell for a ridiculously long time. While we haven’t heard much about the highly anticipated anime adaptation, that’s all about to change, as Academy Award-nominated producer Andrew Lazar has now teased some promising, and imminent, news.

Ever since being announced back in 2002, the new take on Akira has been passed around to several filmmakers, with the most recent being Oscar winner and Thor: Ragnarok director Taika Waititi. Now, Lazar, who is best known for the likes of American Sniper and this month’s action movie G20, has revealed (via Johan Albrechtsen of Moovy TV) that, while he can’t say anything yet, he expects there will be some big news coming "in the next couple of months.”

“So, I think you can expect an update...

The legendary creator behind Cowboy Bebopand his latest anime series, Lazarus, has revealed the heartwarming tribute that helps make up the new show.

Per an interview with creator Shinichiro Watanabe posted on YouTube and translated via X (formerly Twitter), the question of what interesting facts about Lazarus that fans might not already be aware of came up. "I worked with screenwriter Keiko Nobumoto, and we planned to create together, and we would both develop the story and the characters," Watanabe explained. "But right at the beginning, while we were creating the story and characters, she got sick and was hospitalized."

Cowboy Bebop Creator's New Anime Series Is a Tribute to the Late Keiko Nobumoto I: “Could you share any interesting fact about the creation of Lazarus that the fans might not know?â€W: “I worked with screenwriter Keiko Nobumoto, and we planned to create together and we...

Twice a year, Wonder Festival takes over the Makuhari Messe to showcase the future of the figure industry. This year's winter event, held in mid-February, brought the goods (figuratively and real-life figures!) to celebrate the 40th year of plastic model fun. As usual for the event, one hall was full of people putting garage kits together, with the other full of the latest and most significant figures from some of the biggest makers in Japan. Retro Soaring with Space Battle Yamato Before we get to the new, the first booth that caught my eye at the event was a tease for the upcoming Space Battle Yamato exhibition produced by Evangelion creator Hideaki Anno. Aptly for Wonder Fest, some older Yamato figures were on display with ships as the centerpiece. But the best part of this little booth was the art from the series, original anime cells and scripts, and high-quality...

In Japan, the latest shonen manga craze is Galaxias, a "battle fantasy" series about two young people and their struggle to acquire freedom within a perilous society. According to series creator Ao Hatesaka, one of his strongest influences was Attack on Titan, Hajime Isayama's iconic dark fantasy hit.

Galaxias launched in Kodansha's Weekly Shonen Magazine in July 2024 -- two years after winning the "Special Selection" category at the 108th Weekly Shonen Magazine Newcomer Manga Awards. The work and its creator have since gained international attention after receiving praise from Fairy Tail creator Hiro Mashima. With two bestselling volumes of Galaxias now under his belt, Hatesaka is being hailed as a "new generation rookie" with a bright future in the industry. In a recent interview with Da Vinci Magazine, Hatesaka detailed the numerous elements that informed his creative process.

Hajime Isayama's Attack on Titan Inspired New Hit Shonen Series 'Galaxias'...

Physical media culture is alive and thriving thanks to the home video tastemakers hailing everywhere from The Criterion Collection to Kino Lorber and the Warner Archive Collection. Each month, IndieWire highlights the best recent and upcoming Blu-ray, DVD, and 4K releases for cinephiles to own now — and to bring ballast and permanence to your moviegoing at a time when streaming windows on classic movies close just as soon as they open.

We lost one of our great, most respected actors in the last days of February: Gene Hackman, the New Hollywood maverick who could bring both “intimidating brusqueness” and “convincing tenderness” to any role, as IndieWire wrote in our obituary on February 27. It’s a death whose suspicious details continue to unravel. But Hackman’s many great roles, from a morally complicated New York police detective in “The French Connection” to an absent patriarch dying of cancer in “The Royal Tenenbaums,...

Horror manga legend Junji Ito has been nominated for the Will Eisner Comic Awards Hall of Fame this year. He is one of 18 nominees, with voters set to choose the six new inductees. Alongside Ito, Shigeru Mizuki, a late manga creator, has already been pre-selected for induction.

Ito, who won the Inkpot Award from Comic-Con International in 2023, has also had his work nominated for Eisner Awards in the past. His Black Paradox manga was nominated for Best U.S. Edition of International Material—Asia in 2023.

Related: All 24 Junji Ito Books in Order

In addition to his manga success, Junji Ito is making waves in film and TV. Through the Lens Entertainment and Fangoria Studios are working on adaptations of his works ‘The Mystery of the Haunted House’ and ‘Bloodsucking Darkness’ into films.

Ito’s latest anime, Junji Ito Maniac: Japanese Tales of the Macabre, which adapts 20 of his stories, launched...

Neo-Tokyo is about to explode with Rucking Fotten‘s latest collection.

The apparel brand’s fifth drop dedicated to Akira pulls from both the 1982 manga and the 1998 anime classic.

“With every volume we’ve tried to bring something new to the table while still paying homage to the classics,” Rucking Fotten wrote. “In this capsule we’ve compiled a group of items from both the anime and manga, giving a wide variety to the die hard Akira fan everywhere!”

Apparel includes T-shirts ($33.99), long sleeves ($43.99), all-over print tees ($59.99), crewneck sweatshirts ($59.99), pullover hoodies ($64.99), and embroidered bomber jackets ($119.99).

The line also features a glow-in-the-dark 32-ounce Nalgene water bottle ($34.99), a 60×50 woven blanket tapestry ($62.99), and a handmade 48×29 rug of the film’s title treatment ($124.99).

The collection is only available through Sunday, March 2, and will ship in 6-8 weeks. Select pieces are limited in quantity and may sell out before the weekend is over.

Created by Katsuhiro Otomo,...

Hollywood’s recent success with Netflix’s live-action adaptation of One Piece has again sparked debate over the potential to adapt other legendary anime on the big screen. While some franchises may translate well, there remains one film that is simply untouchable: Akira (1988).

A scene from the One Piece live-action movie. | Credit: Netflix

Under Katsuhiro Otomo’s direction, Akira is not simply an animated movie rather it is an artistic and cinematic marvel that has remained unmatched for its visual storytelling, depth, and cultural relevance. With such an incredible legacy, one may ask: can it ever successfully be translated into a live-action film? For many fans, the answer is an absolute ‘no’. And here’s why.

Akira: A timeless masterpiece that redefined animation

A behind-the-scenes look at the making of Akira reveals an insane level of devotion, with each and every animation cell carefully hand-drawn. Several fans continue to be awed over how,...

While he is celebrated as Edward Cullen, Robert Pattinson’s filmography as an actor is manifold. This is true for his roles in The King and Good Time where he nailed the accents and mannerisms. The same goes for his upcoming movie which is promising in terms of its premise and its inspiration.

Robert Pattinson in a still from Mickey 17 | Credit: A-24

Pattinson, in an interview, opened up about the influences behind the upcoming movie Mickey 17. Directed by Bong Joon-ho, the film draws influences and quirks from anime as revealed by the actor. This also, ties in well with the Japanese animation industry’s impact on Hollywood.

Robert Pattinson’s inspiration for Mickey 17

Robert Pattinson is a seasoned actor known for his roles in Twilight and Batman. Yet, the actor has a diverse roster of filmography that showcases his versatility. The Lighthouse and The Devil All The Time...

Few anime films have had as much cultural impact as Akira. The 1988 cyberpunk masterpiece shaped the sci-fi genre and influenced countless filmmakers, animators, and storytellers. Based on Katsuhiro Otomo’s groundbreaking manga, the anime was an ambitious adaptation that showcased breathtaking animation, a gripping narrative, and an unforgettable futurist vision of Neo-Tokyo.

A scene from the 1988 sci-fi masterpiece Akira. | Credit: Tms Entertainment

However, the man behind Akira, Otomo himself initially feared the anime would be a failure. This belief might surprise modern-day anime fans, given the film’s legacy, but Otomo’s reaction was rooted in the challenges of adapting his own sprawling manga into a feature-length movie.

Otomo’s initial disappointment with the Akira movie

In a revealing interview with Forbes, Otomo recounted his first impression of the movie, his influences as a creator, and how time changed his perspective on the film’s success. Oromo recounts that when...

Katsuhiro Otomo’s Akira is in a league of its own, whether we talk about its success or the impact it left. From generations of mangaka to come or world-famous filmmakers, many highly regarded figures have cited Akira as an inspiration. Part of the reason why the anime film is so revered around the world is how it completely changed the perception of anime.

Kaneda during his spar with Testuo in Akira | Credits: Tokyo Movie Shinsha Co., Ltd.

From the stunning animation to the overall aesthetic, the film was years ahead of its time. Considering the popularity of the film, it’s bizarre how we don’t have a live-action adaptation of it yet. The Warner Bros.’ Akira live-action project has also been in limbo since 2002. The current landscape of the anime industry suggests that it might be the best time for the release of an Akira live-action. And here...

There are very few pieces of art in the anime industry that have had as much influence as the 1988 film Akira. The movie is considered to be the pinnacle of the community to this day, and it has served as an inspiration for a plethora of anime and manga creators. Not only that, the movie has even had an influence on many prominent names in the Hollywood industry.

Akira | Credit: Tms Entertainment

The movie was adapted from the 1982 manga by Katsuhiro Otomo with the same name. It explored the themes of political thriller and action in a post-apocalyptic world filled with supernatural elements. It is one of the biggest projects in the history of anime, but there were some big names who did not believe in the story of Akira.

These names were George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, two of the greatest American filmmakers in Hollywood. Fans might not know this,...

Goku's first time becoming a Super Saiyan is easily one of the most iconic transformations in all of anime. Goku's guttural outburst of rage after seeing his friend Krillin killed at the hands of Frieza always sends chills down the spines of any Dragon Ball fan. Everything from the shots, the effects, and the dialogue are all instantly recognizable to viewers, from hardcore anime lovers to the general watcher. But as memorable as the scene is, it's not the first time an anime character has undergone a major transformation.

Plenty of anime from the 70s and 80s have characters undergoing iconic transformations in their own right. Like the Super Saiyan transformation, these sequences are as memorable as they are iconic. With how popular Dragon Ball continues to be, it can be easy to forget that other anime helped lay the foundation for the series' use of breathtaking displays of power.

A diverse and uniquely appealing medium with countless devoted fans, anime has long since established its niche in mainstream pop culture. What has been considered an obscure and commonly misunderstood hobby in the past has now evolved into a booming worldwide cultural phenomenon acclaimed by general audiences and critics alike.

However, even if anime is more internationally accepted now than ever, plenty of people - even those deeply engrossed in other visual storytelling mediums, like film and TV - are still prejudiced against it, not recognizing anime as worthwhile. Be it due to the intrinsic mischaracterization of animation as “childish,” the lingering negative stereotypes, or the simple lack of exposure; many refuse to give anime a fair chance. Thankfully, these incredible anime films could help even the most skeptical movie buffs change their outlook on the medium.

Related10 Most Rewatchable Anime Films of All Time

Some anime films are so compelling they demand multiple viewings,...

The 1988 cyberpunk anime movie Akira is a name that needs no introduction. It has received many accolades over the past few decades and is a central movie for anime watchers. Kaneda’s red biker outfit, coupled with his red motorcycle, is a pop culture icon.

Akira’s influence over the cyberpunk/dystopian sci-fi genre is undeniable and it stands as one of the greatest anime films of all time. However, the movie has its own shortcomings, which need to be exposed even if it attracts the ire of its large fanbase.

Akira tried to achieve too much, too soon The 1988 Akira anime film compressed around 2000 chapters into a single film | Credits: Tokyo Movie Shinsha, Toho

The Akira manga by Katsuhiro Otomo was serialized from 1982 to 1990 and received a total of 120 chapters, compiled into 6 volumes. However, when the anime film aired in 1988, the manga was not even completed yet. The storyline...

If you're an anime fan or curious about the globally beloved animation medium from Japan, a Crunchyroll subscription is a no-brainer. The streaming service is the premier platform for viewing anime movies and shows, along with selling these programs and their related merchandise. With its library of titles constantly growing, there's always something to watch on Crunchyroll for anime fans of every level and interest. This catalog spans from the formative classics that brought anime to international audiences to modern hit shows and movies to check out.

Simply put, Crunchyroll offers something for everyone, genre-wise, including slice-of-life stories, sports anime, romance, and bloodcurdling horror titles. With so much to choose from, it can be tough to settle on a show or movie to make your next anime obsession. Fortunately, /Film is here with our own list of must-watch recommendations. Here are the 15 best anime movies and TV shows available to stream on Crunchyroll.

The most exciting aspect of Taika Waititi's long-gestating live-action Akira adaptation is that it will be nothing like the 1988 movie it's based on. Hollywood's Akira movie remains among the most infamous examples of a project stuck in development hell. Katsuhiro Otomo's seminal manga debuted in 1982, and the feature-length anime that followed six years later propelled Akira to iconic status across the world. Naturally, Akira became one of the very first Japanese anime and manga properties to catch the attention of western movie studios, and reports of adaptation plans first emerged in the 1990s.

Over the decades, various iterations of possible live-action Akira movie projects have come and gone, with directors such as Ruairí Robinson and Jaume Collet-Serra attached at different times. According to the most recent updates, Taika Waititi is currently in the frame to reawaken Akira from its slumber - but not any time soon. Updates have been sparse in the 2020s,...

Few anime films have left a cultural impact as lasting as that of Akira. Originally released in 1988, this sci-fi epic set in a dystopian Neo-Tokyo revolutionized the anime industry and introduced international audiences to anime's artistic and storytelling potential. Now, decades later, fans can experience Akira like never before with its new 4K remaster. This breathtaking restoration promises to take the film’s iconic visuals and sound to a new level, giving a better viewing experience for both longtime fans and newcomers.

To celebrate this milestone, Akira's 4K remaster has been released in a stunning steelbook edition, and is now available at a discounted price on Amazon. Normally retailing for $34.98 Usd, the steelbook is currently on sale for $29.49 Usd, making it an irresistible deal for collectors and anime enthusiasts alike. Whether revisiting Akira for the hundredth time or discovering it for the first, this release is the perfect chance...

Imagine a world that at the same time can be hauntingly familiar and yet, utterly alien, a world where the flames of war and destruction have given rise to a new era of psychic powers and multiple government conspiracies. This is exactly what Akira presents us with, a mesmerizing yet deeply unsettling world of chaos.

Shotaro Kaneda from Akira | Credit: Tms Entertainment

Indeed, Akira is a landmark anime film that has been a major W in the world of animation, but it also has a downside to it. Released in 1988, while Katsuhiro Otomo’s magnum opus was a groundbreaking achievement in storytelling, visuals, and themes; its complex, layered narrative also often leaves many viewers scratching their heads still to this day. But what’s exactly so complicated about Akira?

Akira’s narrative depth is still hard to get a hold of for some Kaneda with his hyper-futuristic motorcycle from Akira...

The end of the world was only the beginning, as Akira is coming to SteelBook 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray on March 4 via Crunchyroll.

Remastered in 4K, the landmark anime film features three Dolby TrueHD audio options: the 2001 English dub in 5.1, the 1988 English dub in 2.0, and the original Japanese audio in 5.1 with English subtitles.

Katsuhiro Otomo directs the 1998 cyberpunk classic from a script he co-wrote with Izo Hashimoto, based on Otomo’s 1982 manga of the same name.

Special Features include:

Akira Sound Making 2019 Akira Sound Clip by Geinoh Yamashirogumi Original 1988 Theatrical End Credits Trailer Collection (with English Subtitles) Storyboard Collection

In the film, “Clandestine army activities threaten the war torn city of Neo-Tokyo when a mysterious being with powerful psychic abilities escapes his prison and inadvertently draws a violent motorcycle gang into a heinous web of experimentation. As a result, a biker with a twisted mind embarks on a path of war,...

Last Updated on January 6, 2025

For years, Awesome Art We’ve Found Around The Net has been about two things only – awesome art and the artists that create it. With that in mind, we thought why not take the first week of the month to showcase these awesome artists even more? Welcome to “Awesome Artist We’ve Found Around The Net.” In this column, we are focusing on one artist and the awesome art that they create, whether they be amateur, up and coming, or well established. The goal is to uncover these artists so even more people become familiar with them. We ask these artists a few questions to see their origins, influences, and more. If you are an awesome artist or know someone that should be featured, feel free to contact me at any time at theodorebond@joblo.com.This month we are very pleased to bring you the awesome art of…...

From Akira to Ghostbusters to Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Stranger Things has referenced some of the most beloved sci-fi movies ever made across its four seasons. The Duffer brothers have always worn their influences on their sleeve when it comes to Stranger Things. Stranger Things was primarily inspired by the works of Stephen King; Eleven is comparable to Carrie White, while Mike Wheeler and his nerdy friends, riding around a small American town in the ‘80s and going on wild adventures, have been compared to characters from King stories like It and Stand by Me.

There have been broad references to cinematic staples, but Stranger Things also has obscure references to ‘80s pop culture. The show’s creepy atmosphere was inspired by the films of John Carpenter. The creature designs were inspired by H.P. Lovecraft. The shady underground government projects were inspired by real-life Cold War conspiracy theories.