An Unknown director hired for WB’s Akira

“Unknown” helmer Jaume Collet-Serra will direct a stripped-back version of “Akira” for the WB, says THR.

The project, which been in development for about three years, was at one time set to be a stoutly-budgeted blockbuster with Albert Hughes piloting the vessel. Leonardo Di Caprio remains onboard as a producer.

Steve Klove’s script moves the action of the original Manga anime property from Tokyo to a rebuilt New Manhattan, where Kaneda, the leader of a biker gang sets out to save a mate from a government project.

Everyone from Keanu Reeves to Robert Pattinson and Andrew Garfield have been rumoured for roles in the flick; nobody is signed.

“Akira” is set to be a mid-budget project (priced about the same as the “Clash of the Titans” reboot) which should get underway shortly.