Keanu Reeves in Talks for AKIRA

‘The Matrix’ star joins the ever growing list of potential actors for the live-action remake of the popular manga.

Vulture and Heat Vision are both reporting that ‘The Matrix’ star Keanu Reeves has entered early talks to star in the English-language, live-action take on Katsuhiro Otomo’s ‘Akira.’

The actor is believed to be the frontrunner for the role of Kaneda, the motorcycle gang leader. Heat Vision adds that while the actor has yet to receive an offer for the role, they hear the talks with his reps have been going well. Having Reeves attached to the project would serve as a strong lure for another big name to take the role of Tetsuo, the best friend.

The likes of Joseph Gordon-Levitt, James Franco, James McAvoy, Andrew Garfield Chris Pine, Joaquin Phoenix, Garrett Hedlund, Robert Pattinson and Michael Fassbender were all previously shortlisted for the two roles. Brad Pitt and Ryan Gosling who were both offered the film and passed.

The movie will be directed by Albert Hughes (‘Book of Eli’) from a screenplay penned by Steve Kloves (‘Harry Potter’). The budget for the movie is said to be hitting the €161 million mark.