Last month saw reports that Taika Waititi was being lined up to direct the long-gestating live-action Akira, and now the director himself has moved to confirm that he has indeed held discussions for the gig.

Speaking to IGN about whether he was going to direct Akira, Waititi explained, “I am – that was more or less a rumour. There was, I mean, I was in talks to do that, for sure, and something that I was very passionate about, am passionate about.”

He went on to add, “I actually love the books. Love the movie, but I would not do a remake of the movie. I would do an adaptation of the books. And, yeah, so anyway, there’s been some chats.”

On how he would handle things if he ended up directing the film, Waititi enthused, “Actually, Asian teenagers would be the way to do it for me and probably no, not, like no name. I mean sort of unfound, untapped talent. Yeah, I’d probably want to take it a bit back more towards the books.”

So, while Waititi is indeed playing coy there a tad, it certainly seems clear that there’s definitely something to those previous reports of the director having discussions to helm Akira. Here at Moonbase Alpha, we’ve been longtime champions of Waititi, so, while we’re not necessarily feeling the need for a live-action Akira, if it’s happening then Waititi would be an excellent choice.

Having become a favourite of many for efforts such as Eagle vs. Shark, Boy, What We Do in the Shadows and Hunt for the Wilderpeople, the New Zealander was given the task of directing Thor: Ragnarok – which hits cinemas across the globe this month.

As ever, expect more on all things Akira as the live-action take on this famed property continues to develop.