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i'll just leave this here

The Americanized Akira Remake Might Star Keanu Reeves

by Jamie Frevele | 3:59 pm, May 7th

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In more “Are They Really Going Through With This?” news, Keanu Reeves is currently in talks to play gang-leader Kaneda in the live-action Americanized version of the landmark anime Akira, set to be directed by Albert Hughes. Nothing is official yet, but apparently, talks are “going well” with Reeves’ representation and Warner Bros., who is behind the remake.

Warner Bros. has had a hard time finding its lead for the Akira remake, probably because a lot of people have expressed displeasure about casting white leads in a movie that was about Japanese characters. But hey! The new movie doesn’t even take place in Japan — it’s being moved from Neo-Tokyo to New Manhattan. So they “fixed” that. Actors who have been considered have included Joseph Gordon-Levitt, James Franco, Robert Pattinson, and Michael Fassbender (and, weirdly enough, Justin Timberlake), who might still have a shot at the role of Tetsuo, Kaneda’s best friend. And we’re assuming that all these names will be changed, too. Maybe even Akira’s.

Oh, Hollywood. :-(

(The Hollywood Reporter via Topless Robot)

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  • Apathetic

    I thought Keanu Reeves was already in talks about ruining Cowboy Bebop.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Chemise-Rogers/39609427 Chemise Rogers

    Don’t they know that there are Asian people in New York? Nothing should stop them from casting Japanese actors or using the original names.

    At least Keanu can be considered racially ambiguous because of his fathers heritage….

  • http://amidstdancers.blogspot.com/ Shard Aerliss

    If he has to be involved in something, I’d rather it be Akira than Cowboy Bebop.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Amanda-LaPergola/81300432 Amanda LaPergola

    Keanu Reeves is on a one-man mission to ruin all of your favorite anime.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Amanda-LaPergola/81300432 Amanda LaPergola

    This new makes me sad in a way that will never become a meme.

  • http://profiles.google.com/animejet Susan Lau

    Oh god no. Why even bother making an Akira movie if you’re just gonna screw it up beyond recognition? Why?

  • Eric

    @aerliss:disqus They are considering placing him as womanizer, loud-mouth leader. Keanu bloody Reeves.

    He should not be involved with Akira, Cowboy Bebop or anything that requires facial expressions.

  • Eric

    Anyway, how about joining the protest against whitewashing, eh? http://www.facebook.com/racebending

  • Anonymous

    Absolutely. Akira is a lost cause no matter what. It doesn’t make sense in America. It doesn’t make sense with adults. And, personally, I never liked it. Screwing Bebop is beyond the pale, though. >:(

  • Anonymous

    Absolutely. Akira is a lost cause no matter what. It doesn’t make sense in America. It doesn’t make sense with adults. And, personally, I never liked it. Screwing Bebop is beyond the pale, though. >:(

  • http://amidstdancers.blogspot.com/ Shard Aerliss

    The sad thing is, is that he CAN act. It just takes a really good director to get it out of him. He was quite good in Chain Reaction and apparently he was very good in River’s Edge.

  • http://twitter.com/burntbythesea Amanda Allen

    you mean “Parenthood” right? i think it’s his only good one.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31pQOiclaTo&feature=related

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_UWCGBOIIODMBAQGZETSAYNPX54 sharrow

    This new makes me sad in a way that will never become a meme.

    http://www.legendstrade.com

  • http://amidstdancers.blogspot.com/ Shard Aerliss

    Wow, never even heard of that…. and I like Steve Martin.

  • Innocentsinner702

    his face has been stuck in the same expression since the first matrix movie.

  • Anonymous

    ….these are the same guys who relaunched the Karate Kid and Dragon Ball Z franchise right? RIGHT?

  • Anonymous

    Like the infamous saying – Just Do It : Keanu – it may be thes best hisoric Japanese film in a long time to hit the western screens.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001464628341 Munir Ibnu Qosim

    i dont understand for evry body say couse me indonesian gay,but me very like keanu reeves,bye bye……