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Keanu Reeves To Play Lead Role In Akira Remake?

09 May 2011 | Source: LOVEFiLM By Charlotte Newman, LOVEFiLM

The role of Shotaro Kaneda in the upcoming live-action remake of cult anime movie Akira may go to Keanu Reeves, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

Reeves joins the latest in a string of actors associated with the role; others being Zac Efron, James Franco, Michael Fassbender, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and even Robert Pattinson.

While Albert Hughes is a dead cert for director, Warner Bros. has been having some difficulty securing a lead actor. Andrew Lazar is producing along with Appian Way’s Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Davisson Killoran.

The 1988 movie was based on the manga cartoon of the same name, and it concerns Kaneda, a biker gang member in Neo-Tokyo 2019, whose best friend, Tetsuo Shima, develops dangerous psychic powers. These mental abilities attract the attention of a secret government project directed by Colonel Shikishima, and Kaneda has to prevent his friend from unleashing untold destruction.

Reeves has not yet been offered the role officially, but his reps have been in “successful” talks with Warner Bros., who backed the hugely successful Matrix films. Reeves is currently shooting samurai action film, 47 Ronin.

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