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The creator of the legendary cyberpunk manga and anime seriesAkira, Katsuhiro Otomo, is a renowned figure in both Japanese and International animation. Apart fromAkira, Otomo’s career has been filled with notable achievements; ranging from short films to full-length features that pushed the boundaries of animation and storytelling. However, when it comes to the live-action adaptation ofAkira, Otomo expressed his own unique perspective.
Although he ruled himself out from directing the project, he left a key provision that allowed him considerable control over the adaptation. Despite being open to new formats, Otomo placed one important condition on the live-action adaptation sinceAkiraremains a special project for him.
Akira‘s Live-Action Movie: Katsuhiro Otomo’s Condition
After countless trials and failures, in 2017,Taika Waititiwas confirmed to be the director of Akira’s live-action adaptation project. However, later in 2019, due to Waititi’s commitment to Marvel Studio, the project was put on hold and since then not many updates have been provided.
Amid the growing anticipation about whether the project would be picked up again or not, it’s important to look back to an interview with Akira’s creator Katsuhiro Otomo to understand his perspective on this future live-action project.
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In this interview conducted by Ollie Barder viaForbes, Otomo shared that despite not being involved in directing the live-action adaptation ofAkira, he would allow it to move forward under one important condition: he must have the final say in approving the screenplay. As he stated,
I am generally okay with whatever they want to do with it. However, I did give one major condition to a live-action version and that is that I had to check and approve the scenario.
Otomo’s statement reflects his deeper understanding of how adaptations should be handled. While he has stepped back from directing, his approval of the screenplay ensures that the live-action version will stay true to the spirit ofAkira.
Katsuhiro Otomo’s Vision for AdaptingAkiraManga to Live-Action
Katsuhiro Otomoexplained that films often have more creative freedom when adapting novels, but with manga, the visuals are already so specific that it makes it harder for filmmakers to deviate from the original material. However, despite the challenges, Otomo believes that staying true to the manga would be counterproductive in terms ofAkira, as he remarked,
Personally, I think being entirely bound to the original manga of something like Akira would not make any sense as a movie. As for what I would do in terms of adapting Akira into my own live-action movie, I really don’t want to do that. I would much rather do something entirely new and separate.
Although the live-action would be quite different from the originalAkiramanga, with a creator as influential as Otomo keeping a watchful eye on the adaptation, the legacy ofAkirais secure in the annals of anime history.
Otomo has worked on various projects that expanded his influence in the anime world. One of these was the 1999CG animated short filmGundam Mission to the Rise. This project, made to celebrate the 20th anniversary of theGundamfranchise, showed Otomo’s capability to work across different genres.
“I thought it would be a failure”: Why Akira Creator Had Little Faith in the Movie That Should be a Warning Sign for Taika Waititi (If it Happens)
Katsuhiro Otomo’s legacy extends far beyondAkira; whether as a mangaka, animator, or director. Thus, while he may be done withAkirain terms of personal involvement, his condition for the live-action adaptation ensures that his vision will continue to shape how the story is brought to life for a new generation.
Akirais currently available to watch and read on Crunchyroll and Kodansha, Respectively.
Moumita Chakraborty
Articles Published :931
Moumita Chakraborty is a seasoned Anime Writer at FandomWire with over 900 published articles. Passionate about the vibrant world of Japanese anime, she brings sharp analytical skills and cultural insight to every piece. From dissecting intricate plotlines to spotlighting the latest trends and releases, Moumita’s work resonates with both casual fans and seasoned otakus. Her writing aims to connect with fellow anime enthusiasts while contributing meaningfully to the ever-growing anime community.
