RUMOR: James Franco In Talks For Akira?

JustJared known for celebrity gossip/photos and not movie news is reporting that James Franco is in talks for Akira which is setup at Warner Bros. The live-action adaptation of the massively popular manga and anime film will be directed by the Hughes Brothers (Book of Eli, From Hell). They go on to say that he'll have to choose between Akira, Oz, The Great & Powerful and ten other mentioned films. There has been talk for over a year that Joesph Gordon-Levitt (Inception, Dark Knight Rises) could also have a role in the film. Of course this is a rumor and until it's confirmed by a reliable site or source it's just a cool thought. I wouldn't have pegged Franco as leading man for an event film like this until he jumped on board for Rise of The Apes last year.


Two things that make me skeptical about the news. First Franco has been mentioned for so many roles it's unlikely most of these stories are even true. Second is that Warner Bros. is way too busy to start another big event film like Akira so soon. They're currently financing Sherlock Holmes 2, Hugo Cabret, two Hobbit films, The Dark Knight Rises, Superman, Jack The Giant Killer, Logan's Run, Dark Shadows and later in the year Mad Max: Fury Road. If this turns out to be true don't expect it to shoot anytime soon.

Morgan Freeman Offered Colonel Role In Akira

BloodyDisgusting who broke the news of Zac Efron possibly starring in the Hughes Brothers' adaptation of Akira reports another actor is linked to the project. Morgan Freeman has been offered the role of the Colonel. Freeman isn't shy when it comes to comic book material starring in Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, Wanted and RED. His involvement would put me at ease and it will be interesting who else could be linked.

Zac Efron Offered Lead In Akira?

BloodyDisgusting reports Warner Bros. and directors The Hughes Brothers (From Hell, Book of Eli) have offered the lead of Akira to Zac Efron. He'll be playing the role of Kaneda Shim who is the leader of a biker gang. While this seems disappointing when Leonardo DiCaprio and Joseph Gordon-Levitt were previously rumored for the leads. Since after watching them in Inception I felt the two need to be working together in more action fims, Akira being the perfect project.

On the other hand Efron has been slowly setting himself up as someone who could breakout in action films. He'll be producing and starring in the American remake of Snabba Cash. I'm nervous but he could pull it off and become the next action star. Hopefully Zac will play it a little more convincing than Shia Labeouf has in his films. Also these characters are high school aged so don't be surprised if more younger talent is linked to the film.