Reports of Akira‘s Death Have Been Greatly Exaggerated

Remember that time last week when we said the Akira remake wasn’t going to happen anymore because a production designer said the whole thing fell apart? Guess what? Never mind. There will be a live-action remake of Akira, because they’ve just hired a director. His name is Jaume Collet-Serra. Congratulations, Jaume Collet-Serra. You are officially helming the Carrie White of unwanted remakes.

The now-impending Akira remake has been most popular for two things: its questionable status — it’s happening, it’s not, it’s happening, it’s not — and the prospect of a total whitewashing. So far, all the actors being named contenders for the leads of the Japanese movie are white males. Is this something Hollywood does? Yes. Does it mean they have to? NO. Does it do it anyway, despite the outrage coming from the original’s devoted fan base? That’s what it looks like, doesn’t it? Could they just find someone to write an original movie about American or English cyberpunks in a dystopian wasteland wrought with anarchy? Yeah, but why bother? They can just use Akira and ignore its impact as a Japanese filmmaking triumph! Silly fans, they’ll get over it!

But what about this: would a small, cultish movie have mainstream appeal? Screen Rant brings this up, and while many are rightfully overprotective of movies like Akira, there could be a chance to introduce it to a wider audience. But at what cost? Personally, as a member of the moviegoing audience, I really just miss seeing great original screenplays that are based on nothing but the creative mind of a screenwriter. Why can’t we just leave old movies alone and write new ones for the same genre?

::stamps feet, crosses arms, wipes single tear, leaves room::

It’s a bit baffling that any director would be willing to take on a project like this that carries sooooo much baggage and controversy. But it looks like Jaume Collet-Serra is ready to play for the major leagues after directing sleeper hits — Orphan and Unknown — and horror movies with Paris Hilton in them (House of Wax). He has a good reputation, but this seems like a risk. I guess we should just wish him the best? Godspeed to you, sir.

(Screen Rant)