Keanu Reeves Also In The Mix For Akira

Now this is more like it! HeatVision reports that Keanu Reeves (Point Break, Speed) is meeting with Warner Bros. and director Albert Hughes for the lead role in Akira. He would play Kaneda the leader of a biker gang in the re-envisioning of the classic anime/manga. Reeves has a decent relationship with Warner Bros. as he starred in the very successful Matrix franchise. He is currently playing a samurai in 47 Ronin for Universal. One of the sticking points had been it would be set in Manhattan and not Tokyo. So when an all white casting list was released it sparked a bit of anger from fans. Having Keanu in the lead role could help as he does have an Asian background but hopefully the studio does hire Japanese actors in supporting roles. What attracts me most about Reeves is that he actually rides motorcycles so he would look authentic on Kaneda's iconic bike. Granted no offer has been made yet.

WOULD YOU SUPPORT KEANU REEVES IN AKIRA?