Garett Hedlund will star in the live action adaption of Akira.

Based on the Katsuhiro Otomo magna series, Akira will focus on Kaneda (Hedlund) the leader of a biker gang who saves his friend Tetsuo from a medical experiment. The film will take place in a futuristic Manhattan.

Hedlund was the first choice to play the role, which was also offered to the likes of Michael Fassbender, Chris Pine, Justin Timberlake and Joaquin Phoenix.

It was revealed back in March that the role of Tetsuo has been offered to Robert Pattinson, Andrew Garfield and James McAvoy.

Gary Oldman and Helena Bonham Carter have also been offered substantial roles.

Jaume Collet-Serra (Unknown) will direct a script by Steve Kloves.

Production is expected to begin on the 6th of August.

Source: Variety