One source says the young actor is in talks for the coveted part, but another says it is still 'far from a done deal'.
- November 6, 2010
AceShowbiz -
Manga character Shotaro Kaneda could be depicted by Zac Efron in the big screen version. According to Slash Film, the 23-year-old actor has been offered a lead role in "Akira", a live-action adaptation of the popular anime by Katsuhiro Otomo. While one source tells the site Efron is in talks, another says it is "far from a done deal".
The action-sci-fi movie project has been set up at Warner Bros. Pictures through Leonardo DiCaprio's production company Appian Way. Albert Hughes is set to direct the film while new screenwriter Albert Torres has been hired to write the script. It was previously said the draft was due in September.
"Akira" manga series follows Shotaro Kaneda, the young leader of a motorcycle gang called The Capsules. He's best friends with Tetsuo, a troubled youth with undiscovered psychic powers. Once Tetsuo taps into his destructive telepathic abilities, he becomes drunk with power, forcing Kaneda to lead the charge against his very best friend.
Zac Efron rose to fame through his role in "High School Musical". He was last seen in "Charlie St. Cloud" and is currently filming "The Lucky One". The "17 Again" star is also linked to a lead role in an untitled Snabba Cash remake.
