10 Movie Remakes You Didn't Know Were In The Works

The Original: Often regarded as the pinnacle of anime, Katsuhiro Otomo's 1988 film adaptation of his own manga series centres on a troubled biker teen in a dystopian future Tokyo, who develops staggering psychic powers. Struggling with emotional torment, the super-powered Tetsuo vents his frustrations by wreaking mass destruction on the city, while his old friend Kaneda battles to stop him.

The Remake: Akira is yet another one that's been cooking in development hell for a very long time.

Warner Bros bought the rights in 2002, and have been struggling to crack the project in the years since: among the associated figures to have come and gone are directors Stephen Norrington, Allen and Albert Hughes, George Miller and Christopher Nolan, and actors Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Michael Fassbender. Now, it looks like things might finally go somewhere with Thor: Ragnarok's Taika Waititi attached to direct.

Should We Be Excited?

Given its notable absence of humour, Akira doesn't seem the most obvious gig for Waititi, although as the director showed some visual flair on his Marvel movie he may be able to deliver on that front.

As whitewashing controversy helped derail past attempts at the film, it may be a relief to hear Waititi insist he plans to cast Asian actors. The director has also stated he isn't trying to remake the 1988 movie as such, but rather present an all-new adaptation of the original six volume book series.