Warner Bros. Loses Akira Movie Rights After 20 Years

After two decades of delays, rewrites, and stalled production, Warner Bros. has officially lost the rights to adapt Akira, the iconic manga and anime series by Katsuhiro Otomo. The rights have now reverted back to Kodansha, the original manga publisher, marking the end of a long and expensive development journey.

A Long History of False Starts

Since 2002, Warner Bros. has attempted to develop a live-action Akira movie with no success. Over the years, a revolving door of directors and writers, including Stephen Norrington, the Hughes brothers, Garry Whitta, and Jaume Collet-Serra, were all attached at various stages. Each time the project seemed to gain momentum, it fell apart.

The most recent effort came in 2017, when Taika Waititi signed on to write and direct the adaptation. Waititi expressed interest in honoring the manga and avoiding the whitewashing controversies that had plagued earlier drafts. However, as his schedule filled with other high-profile projects, Akira once again faded into the background.

What Went Wrong?

One major issue with the adaptation was creative direction. Fans criticized early attempts for straying too far from the original material, while industry insiders noted production hesitancy due to the project’s complex themes and cultural importance. Attempts to Americanize the setting or cast Western leads met with backlash, further stalling the adaptation.

According to JoBlo, Warner Bros. eventually let the rights lapse, signaling a quiet retreat from the project. After millions spent and multiple false starts, the studio has officially exited the adaptation effort.

The Future of Akira on Screen

With the rights now back at Kodansha, the door is open for a new studio or streamer to attempt a faithful adaptation. The popularity of anime and manga-based content continues to rise globally, and franchises like One Piece and Ghost in the Shell have already been adapted with varying levels of success.

It’s possible a company like Netflix, Amazon Prime, or even a Japanese studio could take on the challenge, learning from Warner Bros.’ missteps. With the right vision, Akira could finally receive the live-action treatment fans have hoped for—one that respects the cultural roots and visual style of the source material.

Akira’s Legacy Lives On

For now, fans can still enjoy the groundbreaking 1988 anime film and the original manga, which remain as powerful and influential as ever. Despite Warner Bros.’ failure to bring it to live-action, Akira’s legacy continues to inspire new generations of creators across film, animation, and gaming.

Sources: JoBlo