WB Still Searching For Akira's Tetsuo, More Actors Linked

I swear that Akira has to be one of the messiest casting searches I've seen since Captain America. The studio seems to be scrambling to find their Tetsuo before Akira starts production early next year. We've heard names like James McAvoy, Andrew Garfield, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Robert Pattinson and Ezra Miller (We Need To Talk About Kevin) previously all linked for the role but nothing has come of it. Currently Garrett Hedlund (Tron Legacy) is in place for role of Kaneda. Other actors such as Gary Oldman, Kristen Stewart, Keira Knightley and Helena Bonham Carter have been mentioned being in the mix as well.

HeatVision has word another batch of actors will screentest for the part of Tetsuo. The new list includes Tobey Kebbell (Wrath of The Titans, RockNRolla), Michael Pitt (Dreamers, Boardwalk Empire), Richard Madden (Game of Thrones), Rami Malek (The Pacific), Logan Marshall-Green (Prometheus), D.J. Controna (G.I. Joe 2) along with retests from Paul Dano (Cowboys And Aliens, There Will Be Blood) and Alden Ehrenreich. Out of this bunch I feel that Kebbell and Pitt have the best chances too pull off Tetsuo properly. While names like Malek and Madden shouldn't be overlooked as both are becoming excellent actors.

Major Updates On Die Hard 5!

Die Hard 5 is quickly coming together with the official title of A Good Day To Die Hard and the release date of February 14th 2013. John Moore (Behind Enemy Lines) will be directing with Bruce Willis coming back for one more ride as the iconic John McClane. The fifth film follows McClane as he travels to Russia to get his son out of jail, but accidentally uncovers a terrorist plot.

Variety reports a shortlist of actors who will test for the role of McClane's son. The list includes Ben Foster (Messenger, Rampart, Mechanic), Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad), Milo Ventimiglia (Pathology, Gamer) and Paul Dano (There Will Be Blood, Cowboys & Aliens). Paul Walker is also a studio hopeful but will not be testing. There is talk that this actor will carry on the Die Hard franchise similar to how Jeremy Renner is replacing Tom Cruise for future Mission Impossible films. Knowing that this actor could keep the franchise going I'd prefer Ben Foster getting the job since he's able to handle drama and mindless action. Yet, I wouldn't count out Milo and Aaron who are both interesting enough to keep up with Willis.

Bourne Legacy Moves On

Tony Gilroy, writer of the first three Bourne films and director of Duplicity and Michael Clayton, is writing and directing the Bourne spin-off "Bourne Legacy." Empire Magazine reports that he is currently taking meetings with several actors to replace Matt Damon.

Yes, Bourne Legacy will NOT star Matt Damon. Specific reasons can only be speculated but there haven’t been any reports that would suggest a negative separation. I think Damon and Paul Greengrass (Director of Bourne 1-3) are just ready to move on. Continuing with Bourne Legacy, so far (according to Deadline) there is a long list of actors pursuing this role: Jake Gyllenhaal, Joel Edgerton, Josh Hartnett, Tobey Maguire, Paul Dano, Micheal Pitt, Oscar Isaac, Garrett Hedlund, Micheal Fassbender, Luke Evans, Alex Pettyfer, Taylor Kitsch and Benjamin Walker. This is a ridiculous list; half of these candidates are absurd and the other half are already attached to many other projects. For example, Tobey Maguire...his mere consideration is an insult to the franchise or even pretty boys like Alex Pettyfer (I am Number Four) or Taylor Kitsch (Wolverine: X-men Origins) don’t come remotely close to the likes of a potential successor. But on the other side of things better actors such as Micheal Fassbender, Paul Dano and Jake Gyllenhaal are already attached to many other films and (in my opinion) just don't seem to fit either.

Out of this odd assortment of actors personally, I think Garrett Hedlund (Tron, Four Brothers) or Joel Edgerton (Animal Kingdom) would be good choices. Both would take the film in different dirrections but they share similar attributes in their versatility, intensity and rising careers. Garrett Hedlund, I know is somewhat of a strange choice but his roles in “Death Sentence” and “Four Brothers” showcase his adaptability, and capable honesty and grit. But despite my opinion, I think it’s safe to say that Jake Gyllenhaal and Josh Hartnett are forerunners.

Paul Dano, Xu Qing, Jeff Daniels, Piper Perabo & Noah Segan Join Looper

Variety reports that a slew of actors have joined Rian Johnson's time traveling hitman thriller Looper. The science fiction film already has Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Inception), Bruce Willis and Emily Blunt cast as the leads. Now Paul Dano (There Will Be Blood), Xu Qing, Jeff Daniels (Squid & The Whale, Lookout), Piper Perabo (Coyote Ugly, Carriers) and Noah Segan (Brick, Brothers Bloom).