AceShowbiz -

An upcoming live-action adaptation of "Akira" will get "Harry Potter" touch. Variety reports that Warner Bros. Pictures has hired Steve Kloves, who wrote for all movie installments of the young wizard franchise except for "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix", to polish the script for the action sci-fi project.

Albert Torres has penned the latest version of "Akira" script, while Mark Fergus, Hawk Ostby and Gary Whitta wrote the earlier drafts. Albert Hughes is set to direct in addition to producing it along with his brother Allen Hughes.

"Akira" is based on Katsuhiro Otomo's graphic novel set in a metropolis that was rebuilt after being destroyed decades earlier by Akira, a child with immense psychic powers. It follows Shotaro Kaneda, the young leader of a motorcycle gang called The Capsules, who has to lead the charge against his very best friend Tetsuo who is unhinged by his destructive telepathic abilities.

No actor is cast for the film though Brad Pitt, James Franco and Mila Kunis were reported to have been offered roles. There is no start date and release date for the movie which has Leonardo DiCaprio among the producers.