Earlier this month, it is reported that actor Keanu Reeves is the frontrunner to take the lead as Kaneda for Warner Bros. live-action remake of AKIRA. However, according to an exclusive report by JoBlo, Keanu Reeves has decided to pass on the role last Thursday.
Not only that, the studio has also shut down the pre-visualization department and relieved the duty of those staff members working on the movie. However, Warner Bros. remains active on searching for potential cast members. Here is a statement released by the studio.
"Production on Akira has not halted or been shut down, as the film has not yet been greenlit and is still very much in the development stage. The exploratory process is crucial to a project of this magnitude, and we will continue to sculpt our approach to making the best possible film."
Despite the setbacks, Albert Hughes and Allen Hughes are still attached as directors.
As for now, AKIRA is still eyeing for 2012 release.