Albert Hughes is out of "Akira," but is still in at Warner Bros., TheWrap has confirmed
The "Book of Eli" director will not, as it turns out, direct Warners' live-action adaptation of the Japanese graphic novel "Akira."
The graphic novel — perhaps one of the most revered mangas of all time — will still be a Warner Bros. movie. It's not scheduled for release until 2013 and hadn't been cast.
Warners had planned "Akira" as the first in a two-part series.
It has a fancy pedigree: Andrew Lazar and Appian Way's Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Davisson Killoran are producing. And Warners has reason to feel strongly about the movie. The studio acquired rights to "Akira" for a seven-figure sum.
According to an individual close to Warner, Hughes' departure from the film has to do only with creative differences, and the director will work again soon on another studio project.
Also notable: Warner president Jeff Robinov used to be Hughes' agent.
Deadline first reported the news.
