Film & TV / NewsFilm & TV / NewsAkira’s live-action remake gets a 2021 release dateThe Leonardo DiCaprio-produced film will come out on May 21, 2021ShareLink copied ✔️May 25, 2019May 25, 2019TextThom Waite Earlier this week (May 20) we got news that the live-action remake of the acclaimed anime Akira is set to start shooting in July. Now, though, we’ve had another update. The Wrap reports that Akira will have a summer 2021 release date, slated for May 21. As we’ve previously covered, Taika Waititi will be directing the adaptation of Katsuhiro Otomo’s manga, which became iconic as a 1988 film credited with bringing anime to a western audience. He’s been clear, though, that the focus will be on the original text, telling IGN back in 2017: “I would not do a remake of the movie. I would do an adaption of the books.” Another big name now revealed to be involved in the production is Leonardo DiCaprio, who will produce alongside Jennifer Davisson (known for The Revenant) on behalf of his own production company, Appian Way. Reassuringly, Waititi has spoken of his intentions to cast Asian teenagers in the primary roles, which will mean avoiding a whole Scarlett Johansson in Ghost in the Shell whitewashing debacle. Escape the algorithm! Get The DropEmail address SIGN UP Get must-see stories direct to your inbox every weekday. Privacy policy Thank you. You have been subscribed Privacy policy Expand your creative community and connect with 15,000 creatives from around the world.READ MOREBill Skarsgård and Gus Van Sant on their scrappy thriller Dead Man’s WireScarlet: Anime legend Mamoru Hosoda’s trippy new take on HamletLVMH Prize 2026Inside an exclusive celebration for the semi-finalists of the LVMH Prize7 unmissable films from South by Southwest 2026 Why fans are turning against Timothée ChalametOscars 2026: The biggest snubs from this year’s nominationsCasting is finally getting its flowers at the 2026 OscarsThe story behind Resurrection, Bi Gan’s dreamy cinematic epic Sound of Falling is the most experimental teen drama of all timeEveryone needs to calm down about Timothée ChalametNorthern roles should go to northern actorsAmanda Seyfried: ‘Community is everything. Socialism is a beautiful idea’Escape the algorithm! Get The DropEmail address SIGN UP Get must-see stories direct to your inbox every weekday. Privacy policy Thank you. You have been subscribed Privacy policy