Leonardo DiCaprio’s production company is backing a Warner Bros. live-action adaptation of Akira which has long been in the making. It will mark the directorial debut of Ruairi Robinson who won an Oscar for Fifty Percent Grey, his animated comedy sci-fi short from 2001.

In a disappointing move, the adaptation will be set in New Manhattan. *sigh* When are they going to realize you can’t just put New in front of something and change a few of the signs, expecting us to accept that it’s the future. The world of the original Akira was so rich and unique visually. We hope they adhere to that portion of the o.g. anime and manga.

No word on cast yet for this two-film epic that will see the first installment in the Summer of 2009. May we suggest Michael Cera for the part of Akira?

via G4

Not only is Leonardo DiCap’s a producer, he is set to star in this two-part live action series. If you haven’t seen Akira (1988) you should. Now.