6. Akira
A live-action adaptation of the anime classic has been in the works for some time, ever since Warner Bros acquired the rights in 2003. Since the initial announcement, there has been a merry-go-round of producers, screenwriters, directors and actors. In 2010 it looked as if the movie was going to be fast-tracked with Albert Hughes attached to direct. Numerous screenwriters worked on the film and work even began on concept art, but movement on the movie slowed dramatically and Hughes ended up leaving the project over creative differences. Numerous casting calls have taken place for the movie and Hollywood names such as James Franco, Zac Efron, Michael Fassbender, James McAvoy, Keira Knightley and Helena Bonham Carter were associated with a number of roles. Warner Bros have approved production on the movie several times only to throw it back into development hell when progress halts. They most recently shut down the project in January of last year and there has been very little talk about the film since, though you can still hope that it will be resurrected once more.