The studio is sending the script out to a batch of actors, namely Andrew Garfield (The Social Network and next year's The Amazing Spider-Man), Robert Pattinson (Twilight), and James McAvoy (X-Men: First Class), all of whom are apparently under consideration for choice role Tetsuo.
Meanwhile, Tron Legacy's Garret Hedlund, McAvoy's X-Men co-star Michael Fassbender, Star Trek's Chris Pine, and the recently-not-so-retired Joaquin Phoenix will soon receive scripts to gauge interest in the role of fellow protagonist Kaneda.
The plan is to cram the massive manga into two films that'll tackle three books each—but who will fill the two roles?
There's still no release date pegged for Akira.
Sketchee March 22nd, 2011 at 01:03 PM
Any thoughts of using any Asian actors?
fanartist March 24th, 2011 at 03:29 PM
Yes, they will be extras. Because only white people can be main characters in a fantasy world that is CLEARLY not based on a certain Asian country.
TheOne April 22nd, 2011 at 02:23 PM
Thank God there aren't any Asian actors. No one would be able to relate to a bunch of geeky Asians. I'm glad there Americanizing the film. This isn't for nerdy manga fans; it's supposed to be for everyone.
TheOne April 22nd, 2011 at 02:24 PM
they're*
kiniz July 15th, 2011 at 05:45 AM
OMG PLEASE LET MICHAEL AND JAMES! I WANNA! I CAN'T.. I JUST WANT PRETTY PLEASE?
JessyScarlet July 15th, 2011 at 09:11 AM
they should at least change the name. because ive never heard a westerner named akira, tetsuo or kaneda. just sayin.
Gatto Nero July 15th, 2011 at 10:57 AM
Micael and James is pergect :D
Random July 15th, 2011 at 12:57 PM
JAMES MCAVOY AS TETSUO MICHAEL FASSBENDER AS KANEDA IT'S ABSOLUTELY PERFECT, TOTALLY ADVOCATING THIS, JUST SAYIN`
Ikari July 16th, 2011 at 12:51 PM
Michael Fassbender as Kaneda and McAvoy as Tetsuo vould be perfect ! They have already played a Friend/enemy couple onh the screen and they have been great . Plus fans love them together, the producers should TOTALLY choose those two , everyone would go to see that movie .
moon_yuu_shin August 9th, 2011 at 12:21 PM
Pls...god...Let it be Michael and James... ;A; It would be a Perfection.
Stephen March 12th, 2012 at 04:49 PM
I've heard about Kristen Stewart, Helena Bonham Carter & Agathe G (rumored)