Film & TVNewsFilm & 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. Expand your creative community and connect with 15,000 creatives from around the world.READ MOREThe 20 best films of 2025, rankedWhy Kahlil Joseph’s debut feature film is a must-seeThe 2025 Dazed 100 USA list is hereJay Kelly is Noah Baumbach’s surreal, star-studded take on fameWatch: Owen Cooper on Adolescence, Jake Gyllenhaal and Wuthering HeightsKısmet by MilkaKate Moss takes over London for Kısmet by MilkaOwen Cooper: Adolescent extremesIt Was Just An Accident: A banned filmmaker’s most dangerous work yetChase Infiniti: One breakthrough after anotherShih-Ching Tsou and Sean Baker’s film about a struggling family in TaiwanWatch: Rachel Sennott on her Saturn return, turning 30, and I Love LA Mapping Rachel Sennott’s chaotic digital footprint