Rumor: Has Gary Oldman Been Offered A Role In "Akira"?

Could the respected actor be sought to play a colonel in Katsuhiro Otomo's classic Japanese anime?

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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The rollercoaster existence of the live-action, English language Akira remake is now greenlit and is moving ahead. With Unknown and Orphan director Jaume Collet-Serra set to direct and Tron: Legacy star Garrett Hedlund ahead of the pack to take on one of the lead roles, it seems that the filmmakers are looking at Gary Oldman and Helena Bonham-Carter to fill some large roles in the adaptation.

According to Twitch, the duo, which is mad familiar to Warner Bros. execs, have received offers to play "The Colonel" and "Lady Miyako," respectively in the upcoming film. Oldman, who's garnering early Oscar buzz for his role in this winter's Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy, would take the role previously rumored to have been offered to Morgan Freeman. Meanwhile, Carter, who is no stranger to signing on to dreck films herself, would play an ally to the resistance and former psychic test subject.

We've already documented our disgust at how Katsuhiro Otomo's storyline is being whitewashed, but by adding these two big name stars will it quiet the naysayers? Filming for Akira is being aimed for a February/March 2012 start, we will keep you posted as more casting news develops.

[via Twitch]

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