Akira Remake Synopsis

A new synopsis was sent out to casting agents that revealed that the live-action, English-language remake of Akira is, aside from the locale and nationality changes, going to be very similar to the Japanese animated classic.

The new film shifts the action from Neo-Tokyo to New Manhattan and follows Kaneda's (Garrett Hedlund) attempts to save Tetsuo from a medical experiment that threatens to unleash destructive powers.

Geek Tyrant posted the plot description:

"Kaneda is a bar owner in Neo-Manhattan who is stunned when his brother, Tetsuo, is abducted by government agents led by The Colonel. Desperate to get his brother back, Kaneda agrees to join with Ky Reed and her underground movement who are intent on revealing to the world what truly happened to New York City thirty years ago when it was destroyed. Kaneda believes their theories to be ludicrous but after finding his brother again, is shocked when he displays telekinetic powers. Ky believes Tetsuo is headed to release a young boy, Akira, who has taken control of Tetsuo’s mind. Kaneda clashes with The Colonel’s troops on his way to stop Tetsuo from releasing Akira but arrives too late. Akira soon emerges from his prison courtesy of Tetsuo as Kaneda races in to save his brother before Akira once again destroys Manhattan island, as he did thirty years ago. "

Aside from Kaneda being a bar owner rather than a teen biker, it's otherwise similar to the 1988 original. Of course this is a short synopsis that skips many details so I'm sure we will hear more about the extent of the true nature of the changes as the weeks progress

Kristen Stewart has been offered the part of Kei, a young medium who becomes the love interest for Kaneda Helena Bonham-Carter has been offered Lady Miyako. Ken Watanabe may take the part of the Colonel Keira Knightley also has been offered a role in the pic but the part is not known yet. D.J. Cotrona, Logan Marshall-Green, Toby Kebbell, Richard Madden Rami Malek, Michael Pitt Paul Dano and Alden Ehrenreich were the latest potentials for the role of Tetsuo with a casting decision on that expexted soon

Spanish helmer Jaume Collet-Serra calls action on the long developing picture

Back in March, Steve Kloves signed onto do a rewrite of the Hawk Ostby, Mark Fergus and Gary Whitta penned script.

Andrew Lazar, Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Davisson Killoran are producing with a February start date targeted.