Taika Waititi's live-action "Akira" will open in theaters in May 2021. File Photo by Christine Chew/UPI | License Photo

May 24 (UPI) -- Taika Waititi's live-action remake of Akira will open in 2021.

The Wrap confirmed Friday the new Warner Bros. movie will open in theaters May 21, 2021.


The Hollywood Reporter said Akira will open against John Wick: Chapter 4, which Lionsgate confirmed plans for this week. DC Super Pets was previously scheduled for the date but has delayed its release to 2022.

Akira is based on the Japanese manga of the same name by Katsuhiro Otomo. Otomo previously directed an animated adaptation, which debuted in 1988.

Akira takes place in 2019 in a dystopian Tokyo, known as Neo-Tokyo. The story centers on Shotaro Kaneda, the leader of a local biker gang, and his childhood friend, Tetsuo Shima, who acquires powerful telekinetic abilities.

Akira has yet to announce its cast. Waititi previously told IGN he would cast Asian actors, including "unfound, untapped talent," if he were to direct the film. Leonardo DiCaprio will produce through his Appian Way production company.

Waititi is known for directing What We Do in the Shadows and Thor: Ragnarok. His new film Jojo Rabbit, starring Roman Griffin Davis and Thomasin McKenzie, opens Oct. 18.