Akira is set in a neon-lit futuristic post-nuclear war Tokyo in 2019 where a teen biker gang member is subjected to a government experiment which unleashes his latent powers. The gang's leader must find a way to stop the ensuing swathe of destruction.

Based on the classic 1988 as manga which was made into an animated film by Katsuhiro Otoma.

More remakes, sigh . . .

Well, not quite. Word has it that there will be several live-action feature films made and that they will be based on the rather lengthy original manga (printed comic book) instead of the movie version.

The series will be produced by Leonardo DiCaprio's production company along with Warner Bros. Screenplay will be by Gary Whitta. No news yet on casting or a director, but the project is being fast-tracked for 2009.