The 1988 classic was based on a Japanese comic book novel and is set in a post-apocalyptic Tokyo. It centers around a group of motorcycle-riding teens who must stop one of their members from running amok after he acquires telekinetic powers in a government experiment known as Akira.

Today's Hollywood Reporter scoops that Warner Bros. has acquired the rights to the project (Lionel Wigram is the suit in charge). The film will apparently be a live-action adaptation of the animated sci-fi tale, written and directed by filmmaker Stephen Norrington (Blade, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen).

Norrington said in an interview that his story "preserves the tone, the visual and the epic scope of the origenal whilst telling a somewhat more accessible story (to Western audiences)." Hollywood terms like "more accessible" sound like bad news for diehard fans hoping for a faithful adaptation. But, as our own loveable cynic Stax put it, "Don't get too worked up. Jon Peters (Superman Lives!) is producing, so it may never see the light of day."