AMERICANIZED “AKIRA” SYNOPSIS IS UNVEILED

We’ve known for a while that Hollywood would be creating their own version of the much lauded Japanese classic Akira. But now that most of the cast has been firmly set, fans of the original anime have been struck by a new sense of urgency. It’s like they’ve all suddenly realized that this film is a reality…and like so many adaptations, Hollywood is destined to f*** this up.

Why are all the characters white? What the hell is Kristen Stewart doing in the cast? Why? What? No!!!!! That’s the typical response I get from Akira‘s fan base. And I have to admit, I agree with them…but only to an extent.

We have to realize, in order to get a high-budget, live-action, Hollywood blockbuster, the traditional story must be adapted for a wider audience. For the most part, this means white-washing the characters and casting teenage heart-throbs…as with the addition of Kristen Stewart and Garrett Hedlund. I’m sure we can expect a ton of smaller changes, like the switch of location to Neo-Manhattan, but none of them should be too alarming. After all, if we want a huge Hollywood blockbuster, we need to expect these pretty typical concessions.

Here’s the official synopsis:

“Kaneda is a bar owner in Neo-Manhattan who is stunned when his brother, Tetsuo, is abducted by government agents led by The Colonel.
Desperate to get his brother back, Kaneda agrees to join with Ky Reed and her underground movement who are intent on revealing to the world what truly happened to New York City thirty years ago when it was destroyed. Kaneda believes their theories to be ludicrous but after finding his brother again, is shocked when he displays telekinetic powers.
Ky believes Tetsuo is headed to release a young boy, Akira, who has taken control of Tetsuo’s mind. Kaneda clashes with The Colonel’s troops on his way to stop Tetsuo from releasing Akira but arrives too late. Akira soon emerges from his prison courtesy of Tetsuo as Kaneda races in to save his brother before Akira once again destroys Manhattan island, as he did thirty years ago.”

So what do you think? Sound off in the comments below.