Stunning Concept Art for Ruairi Robinson's Live-Action 'Akira' Movie

"Tetsuoooo!!" Anime fans must see this. This is what one version of the live-action Akira movie might've looked like, if it had been made. Thanks to a tip from a friend we've discovered a stash of concept art from director Ruairi Robinson on his own site for the version of Akira he developed at WB while he was attached back in 2009. He later went on to direct the lackluster sci-fi Last Days on Mars as his first feature. There's over 10 beautiful pieces of art, some costume shots and of course the motorcycles and New Tokyo, plus even a few storyboards for referencing scenes, too. This actually looks like it would've been awesome, there's even a sketch of what looks very much like Chris Evans as Kaneda, plus Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

Here's a quick look at 10 pieces of Akira art, direct from Ruairi Robinson's website - see even more there.

I love that poster-style shot in the middle, of Kaneda on his red bike. This is an impressive take, at least presented in concept art form, and I still hope that one day the Akira movie will be made and it's awesome. The hints in this concept art show that his world was gritty and neon, but still violent. While it does look a bit polished, the imagery looks cool on paper and I would love to see it in action. I wonder if Ruairi made a short sizzle reel for them as well? I would love to see that, too. Ruairi Robinson's filmography includes that fantastic robot short Blinky™ and the sci-fi film Last Days on Mars, but the title on his website says "Ruairi Robinson for rent." Must be looking for more work, I hope he finds it. For now, the Akira movie remains stuck in development, but it's still exciting to get a glimpse at what one version would've looked like. Cool?

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