AKIRA: What’s the Hold up?

20 Jul

By Comic Relief

If you’re a fan of comic books adventure or science fiction, you have heard that there are plans to do a live action version of the cult hit manga (or Japanese comics series) and groundbreaking anime’ movie, (or animated movie) Akira.  When news of this event spread through both communities speculation ran wild regarding: who would make it, how it would be made, whether CGI had likely advanced enough to do the series justice, and who would star in it?

Eventually answers started to flood in.  Warner Brothers (Batman and the Harry Potter franchises) would develop the effort.   Recently naming Jaume Collet-Serra (“Orphan,” “Unknown”) as the director, production would be speared headed by Leonardo DiCaprio’s (Gangs of New York, Basketball Diaries) Appian Way (The Aviator, Shutter Island) artistic label. Variety claimed:  Gary Whitta was the first writer attached, while Albert Torres and the team of Mark Fergus and Hawk Ostby also contributed drafts. Steve Kloves, WB’s go-to scribe for its lucrative Harry Potter franchise, most recently polished Torres’ draft [1]. There was confidence that CGI had advanced enough to handle both the apocalyptic story and all of the explosive morphing and telekinetic visual effects.  Yet the production budget was recently lowered to a nine million dollar budget.  A veritable “Who’s Who” of Hollywood’s most prestigious young acting talent including: Robert Pattinson, Chris Pine, Garrett Hedlund, Andrew Garfield, James MaCavoy, Michael Fassbinder were all supposedly contacted to put in their bids for starring roles of Kaneda and Tetsuo.  And if the casting seemed odd than the notion that Akira would be a westernized version that was supposed to occur in New Manhattan rather than New Tokyo (as it was in the comic) might surprise you even more.

If any of this information is startling, you might appreciate a commentary on why this production is having such a hard time making it to the screen near you.  What are the most likely reasons Akira has moved so slowly.

Is it because remakes are rarely successful artistically or financially?  Concurring with this sentiment web critic Peter Hall claims:

“Sometimes a considerable amount of the movie will be changed for the better, other times it will look like some exec just ran the original script through a translator, but as a general rule, American remakes tend to be inferior.” [2].

Is it because Americans culture don’t fully understand day- to-day Japanese Culture well enough to execute the project?   The embassy of the United States suggests some tension in the relationship between the two countries but suggests great continued area for mutual support:

“However, the economic problems in Japan and United States associated with the credit crisis and the related economic recession and how the two countries deal with those problems will likely dominate their bilateral economic agenda for the foreseeable future. Japan has been hit particularly hard by the financial crisis and subsequent recession. Japan’s gross domestic product (GDP) declined 0.7% in 2008 and is projected to decline by 6.2% by the end of 2009 with a modest rebound expected in 2010. At the same time, the United States is showing some signs of recovery, at least according to some indicators.” [3].

Is it because of all of the hostility already expressed by fans of the series? Staff writers at Angry Asian man.Com claim:

“Honestly, we knew this was coming. It’s the Hollywood Whitewash doing its usual scrub. But this one definitely stings a little more, not only because the source material is a revered Japanese classic, but because taking it out of its original context and transplanting the story to “New Manhattan” completely changes the underlying issues and anxieties behind the story” [4].

According to Variety, Katsuhiro Otomo who wrote the graphic novel and directed the 1988 animated film has been hired to executive produce the new film.  Do you believe this change will resolve all of the previous problems with this film project? [5].

 Please join us for a discussion Thursday 7/21/2011@7pE/12UTC

  1. http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118039904
  2. http://www.hollywood.com/feature/Five_Failed_American_Remakes_Of_Foreign_Films/7057691
  3. http://aboutusa.japan.usembassy.gov/e/jusa-usj.html
  4. http://blog.angryasianman.com/2011/03/live-action-akira-adaptation-starring.html
  5. http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118039904

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95 Responses to “AKIRA: What’s the Hold up?”

  1. Littlebells July 20, 2011 at 10:20 AM #

    HI CR!

    I’ve been waiting for this article! I don’t know much about AKIRA, but I had heard that a lot of “white” actors had been discussed to play the leads. My first reaction was, “huh???” I know the US has made a lot of remakes of Japanese films but apparently this story is truly beloved. In my opinion if it is so beloved by its fans, it shouldn’t be changed to fit “our” culture. I think this would be a great opportunity for some unknown/famous Japanese actors to really break into mainstream HW.

    Ok, I just woke up so I don’t know if any of that made sense.

    • comic relief July 20, 2011 at 12:10 PM #

      That made lots of sense and fortunately (for us at LIH) there are a million different sides one can take on the topic. I think I wrote this article at least five times and everytime I heard something new, I started a new rewrite.

      At one time, because the story is so big, I said I would write this article in 3 parts (supposedly addressing the topics I mentioned). I’m glad I stopped where I did because the story keeps changing and now would probably be the time to comment.

    • Open Book July 21, 2011 at 7:09 PM #

      ITA LB!

      o.k. here is my Q. Why have Japanese actors been so quiet about all this? CR what’s the 411?

  2. Open Book July 20, 2011 at 8:34 PM #

    CR- my fear of this train wreck about to happen with this series has not gone away. None the less, these filmmakers are entitled to give it a shot. Do u know of any American whitewash remakes that have done well recently?

  3. comic relief July 20, 2011 at 9:22 PM #

    OB,

    Actually no, I do not know of any American whitewash remakes that have done well recently. Many would claim that “The Last Air Bender” (or in Anime’ “Avatar”) was the last major failure for this practice.

    In general the term white washing is a term used by people of color to discuss the way whites or Caucasians erase out frequently darker or non-white ethnic or racial groups by replacing them with (in a theatrical sense) a white cast.

    This practice used to happen a lot to Native Americans, Latinos and Asians in the pre-sixties Hollywood. Though a little divisive in some respects, George Takai does an excellent job of explaining this fairly old (and seemingly still relevant) cultural practice.

    http://perezhilton.com/2011-04-19-george-takei-does-not-want-akira-movie-to-be-whitewashed

    I still think there may be room to claim this practice is not occurring.

  4. Littlebells July 21, 2011 at 5:01 PM #

    CR,

    While driving today I had this thought, “It’s bad enough we don’t have many, well hardly any, famous Asian actors playing romantic leads or leads in general, so why is HW trying to cut them out of their own genres?”

    • comic relief July 21, 2011 at 5:35 PM #

      Littlebells,

      I absolutely agree. I can count the number of Asian actors and actresses I know or have seen on one hand. With help I might be able to manage two hands but this is terrible; considering that in terms of racial groups this in one of largest in the world.

      Trying to channel Lurker and thinking about the global implications of this Hollywood representational conundrum, I’m wondering whether we’re ever going to surmount this problem.

      It seems that Asian actors are asking if not in their own written screen plays when might they ever get to star in Hollywood films? I hope we get somewhere attempting to understand this problem later.

  5. comic relief July 21, 2011 at 7:01 PM #

    Hi, everyone glad you could make it to this discussion.

  6. Littlebells July 21, 2011 at 7:03 PM #

    Hola!

  7. Open Book July 21, 2011 at 7:03 PM #

    Hi Everyone!

    Welcome new and returning visitors. We are happy u could join us. Feel free to jump in with Q or comments.

    • comic relief July 21, 2011 at 7:04 PM #

      Hi Littlebells and Open book.

  8. Parisienne July 21, 2011 at 7:08 PM #

    Hi All!

    CR, IMO, HW “whitewashes” ethnic stories because America wants to be seen as superior to everyone else, this is strictly my opinion and I hope that it doesn’t appear racist. In all honesty, I couldn’t see any of the actors you mentioned taking a lead in this film. I wouldn’t look right. Look what happened with The Last AirBender. It flopped.

    Why do you think that HW has to “whitewash” ethnic films.

    • comic relief July 21, 2011 at 7:09 PM #

      Hi Paris.

      • Parisienne July 21, 2011 at 7:09 PM #

        Hi CR,

        How are you?

        • Open Book July 21, 2011 at 7:10 PM #

          Hi Paris!

          How are u?

          • Parisienne July 21, 2011 at 7:11 PM #

            Hi Open Book!

            I’m good. how are you?

            • Open Book July 21, 2011 at 7:16 PM #

              Hot! But I rather be hot then frozen. LOL!!

        • comic relief July 21, 2011 at 7:18 PM #

          Great, thanks for asking.

    • Open Book July 21, 2011 at 7:14 PM #

      I think HW whitewashes because it’s safe. I mean until Asian actors start breaking BO numbers they will continue to go with what’s tried and true.

  9. ozzie20 July 21, 2011 at 7:10 PM #

    Hi everyone, just got to catch up.

    Have been told LB is busy but will come back and check the comments later.

    • Parisienne July 21, 2011 at 7:11 PM #

      Hi Ozzie!

    • Open Book July 21, 2011 at 7:11 PM #

      Hi Ozzie!

      Say hello to your mom as well.

      • comic relief July 21, 2011 at 7:13 PM #

        Hey Ozzie.

        • ozzie20 July 21, 2011 at 7:24 PM #

          Hello ladies and gentlemen!

          Will do OB!

  10. comic relief July 21, 2011 at 7:13 PM #

    Thanks for adding your “2 cents” to the pile Paris. Am I sensing a consistent point of view here? OB and Littlebells, both of you had interesting questions earlier, both of seem to believe there is a controversy brewing with this movie. I may be responsible for this, but I am beginning to wonder whether there’s in any controversy at all?

    • Parisienne July 21, 2011 at 7:18 PM #

      You are welcome CR. 🙂 I don’t see why people of different ethnicities can’t speak for themselves though. Aren’t we supposed to live in a democracy? Look at Bruce Lee for example.

      • comic relief July 21, 2011 at 7:22 PM #

        Ultimately, I think you are right but if you look at the list below American remakes of foreign films are big business.

        Some Asian American’s claim they are being whitewashed though this trend has had some financially successful projects.

  11. comic relief July 21, 2011 at 7:17 PM #

    Originally I wanted to add this to the article but thought I would make the document too long. These are numerous remakes from different countries. Sorry could not sustain the links.

    Argentine
    • Criminal (2004) from Nueve Reinas a.k.a. Nine Queens (2000)
    Chinese
    • The Eye (2008) from The Eye (2002) (Various languages : Cantonese / Mandarin)
    • The Departed (2006) from Infernal Affairs (2002) (Cantonese)
    • Tortilla Soup (2001) from Eat Drink Man Woman (1994) (Mandarin)
    Danish
    • Catch That Kid (2004) from Klatretøsen (2002)
    • Nightwatch from Nattevagten
    • Brothers from Brødre
    Dutch
    • The Vanishing from Spoorloos
    • Down from De Lift
    • Interview (2007 film) from Interview (2003 film)
    Filipino
    • The Echo from Sigaw
    French
    • 13 (2010) from 13 Tzameti (2005)
    • Algiers (1938) from Pépé le Moko (1937)
    • And God Created Woman (1988) from Et Dieu… créa la femme (1956)
    • The Birdcage (1996) from La Cage aux Folles (1978)
    • Blame It on Rio (1984) from Un moment d’égarement (1977)
    • Breathless (1983) from À bout de souffle (1960)
    • Buddy Buddy (1981) from L’Emmerdeur (1973)
    • Chloe (2009) from Nathalie… (2004)
    • Cousins (1989) from Cousin, cousine (1975)
    • Diabolique (1996) from Les Diaboliques (1955)
    • Dinner for Schmucks (2010) from Le Dîner de Cons (1998)
    • Down and Out in Beverly Hills (1986) from Boudu Saved from Drowning (1932)
    • EdTV (1999) from Louis 19, le roi des ondes (1994)
    • Eye of the Beholder (1999) from Mortelle Randonnée (1983)
    • Fathers’ Day (1997) from Les Compères (1983)
    • The Good Thief (2002) from Bob le Flambeur (1956)
    • Intersection (1994) from Les choses de la vie (1970)
    • Jungle 2 Jungle (1997) from Un indien dans la ville (1994)
    • Just Visiting (2001) from Les Visiteurs (1993)
    • The Long Night (1947) from Le Jour se lève (1939)
    • LOL: Laughing Out Loud (2011) from LOL (Laughing Out Loud) (2008)
    • Lydia (1941) from Un carnet de bal (1937)
    • The Man Who Loved Women (1983) from L’homme qui aimait les femmes (1977)
    • The Man with One Red Shoe (1985) from Le Grand blond avec une chaussure noire (1972)
    • Men Don’t Leave (1990) from La vie continue (1981)
    • The Mirror Has Two Faces (1996) from Le Miroir à deux faces (1958)
    • Mixed Nuts (1994) from Le Père Noël est une ordure (1982)
    • My Father The Hero (1994) from Mon père, ce héros (1991)
    • The Next Three Days (2010) from Anything for Her (2008)
    • Nine Months (1995) from Neuf mois (1994)
    • Original Sin (2001) from La sirène du Mississipi (1969)
    • Oscar (1991) from Oscar (1967)
    • Paradise (1991) from Le Grand Chemin (1987)
    • Point of No Return (1993) from Nikita (1990)
    • Pure Luck (1991) from La Chèvre (1981)
    • Sorcerer (1977) from Le Salaire de la Peur (1953)
    • Taxi (2004) from Taxi (1998)
    • The 13th Letter (1951) from Le Corbeau (1943)
    • Three Fugitives (1989) from Les Fugitifs (1986)
    • Three Men and a Baby (1987) from Trois hommes et un couffin (1985)
    • The Tourist (2010) from Anthony Zimmer (2005)
    • The Toy (1982) from Le Jouet (1976)
    • True Lies (1994) from La Totale! (1991)
    • Twelve Monkeys (1995) from La Jetée (1962)
    • Two Much (1995) from Le Jumeau (1984)
    • Under Suspicion (2000) from Garde à vue (1981)
    • Unfaithful (2002) from La Femme infidèle (1968)
    • Wicker Park (2004) from L’Appartement (1996)
    • Willie and Phil (1980) from Jules et Jim (1962)
    • The Woman in Red (1984) from Un éléphant ça trompe énormément (1976)
    German
    • The Experiment (film) from Das Experiment
    • City of Angels (1998 film) from Der Himmel über Berlin (1987 film)
    • Funny Games (2008 film) from Funny Games (1997 film)
    • M (1951 film) from M (1931 film)
    • No Reservations from Bella Martha
    • Victor Victoria from Viktor und Viktoria
    Hebrew
    • The Debt from The Debt (2007 film)
    Italian
    • Crackers from I soliti ignoti
    • Swept Away from Travolti da un insolito destino nell’azzurro mare d’agosto
    • The Last Kiss from L’ultimo bacio
    • Scent of a Woman from Profumo di donna
    • Everybody’s Fine (2009 film) from Stanno Tutti Bene
    Japanese
    • Dark Water (2005) from Dark Water (2002)
    • A Fistful of Dollars from Yojimbo
    • The Grudge (2004) from Ju-on: The Grudge (2003)
    • Godzilla (1998) from Gojira (1954)
    • The Magnificent Seven from Seven Samurai
    • One Missed Call (2008) from Chakushin Ari (2004)
    • The Outrage (1964) from Rashomon (1950)
    • Pulse (2006) from Kairo (2001)
    • The Ring (2002) from Ringu (1998)
    • Shall We Dance? (2004) from Shall We Dansu? (1996)
    Korean
    • The Lake House from Il Mare
    • The Uninvited (2009) from A Tale of Two Sisters (2003)
    • My Sassy Girl from My Sassy Girl (2001)
    • Mirrors from Into the Mirror
    • Possession from Addicted
    Norwegian
    • Insomnia (2002) from Insomnia (1997)
    • Head Above Water (1996) from Hodet over vannet (1993)
    Spanish
    • Vanilla Sky (2001) from Abre los ojos (1997)
    • Quarantine (2008) from REC (2007)
    Swedish
    • The Invisible (2007) from Den Osynlige (2002)
    • Let Me In (2010) from Let the Right One In (2008)
    Thai
    • Shutter (2008) from Shutter (2004)
    • Bangkok Dangerous (2008) from Bangkok Dangerous (1999)

    • Open Book July 21, 2011 at 7:21 PM #

      WOW!!!! CR how did these films do at the BO?

      • comic relief July 21, 2011 at 7:25 PM #

        They differ. Obviously critical and financial evaluation and success don’t always coinside.

        • Open Book July 21, 2011 at 7:29 PM #

          That makes sense! I noticed a lot of Asian films in this list that were remade.

      • ozzie20 July 21, 2011 at 7:28 PM #

        Wow, that is alot of films.

  12. Open Book July 21, 2011 at 7:19 PM #

    Paris!

    Can u name some Asian actors in HW u admire?

    • Parisienne July 21, 2011 at 7:22 PM #

      Just off the top of my head……Jet Li.

      • Open Book July 21, 2011 at 7:27 PM #

        I love Jet Li!

        I found this.

        http://edopeno.com/2008/12/22/top-10-asian-american-actors-in-2008/

        • Open Book July 21, 2011 at 7:31 PM #

          I also found this

          http://www.google.com/search?q=asian+american+actors&hl=en&biw=1183&bih=841&prmd=ivns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=G7UoTv6UHMTdgQeu5b1c&sqi=2&ved=0CCwQsAQ

        • Parisienne July 21, 2011 at 7:34 PM #

          I must say that I think John Cho is rather good looking. 🙂

          • Open Book July 21, 2011 at 7:40 PM #

            LOL!

            • Open Book July 21, 2011 at 7:47 PM #

              Paris-
              what do u think of John Cho as an actor?

              • Parisienne July 21, 2011 at 7:53 PM #

                I don’t know i’ve never seen him act. Just think he’s rather good in the looks department. If i can find something with him in it i’ll watch and let you know.

                • Open Book July 21, 2011 at 7:56 PM #

                  Star Trek and

                  Harold & Kumar go to White Castle. Love this film!!

        • comic relief July 21, 2011 at 7:35 PM #

          Every cool, thanks alot for the link.

          • ozzie20 July 21, 2011 at 7:42 PM #

            I like B.D. Wong, John Cho and Ian Anthony Dale (he’s part Japanese)!

            • Open Book July 21, 2011 at 7:47 PM #

              Ozzie-

              What do u think of there acting?

              • ozzie20 July 21, 2011 at 7:53 PM #

                I think they’re very good and should get more leading roles.

  13. comic relief July 21, 2011 at 7:29 PM #

    OpenBook,
    after i brought Last airbender last night I thought i should look deeper at the issue. Two of the most critically and financially successful Japanese to American movies in semi-recent hollywood history were

    The Magnificent Seven (1960) and The Departed (2006).

    • Open Book July 21, 2011 at 7:32 PM #

      GET OUT!!!! REALLY?

      • comic relief July 21, 2011 at 7:33 PM #

        Really,

        Based on Seven Samurai (Japan, 1954) the Magnificent Seven starred Yul Brynner, Steve Mcqueen, and Eli Wallach,

        Based on Japan’s Infernal Affairs (Japan, 2002) the Departed starred Matt Damon, Leonardo Dicaprio, Jack Nicholson, and Mark Walburg.

        • Open Book July 21, 2011 at 7:36 PM #

          Wow! I’m really speechless.

          This is pretty lucrative then and it’s been going on for awhile. I don’t know if HW is ready to change this quickly.

  14. Open Book July 21, 2011 at 7:34 PM #

    Ozzie & Paris,

    Have u ever seen the anime of Akira?

    • Parisienne July 21, 2011 at 7:35 PM #

      no although i have heard of it. I have a friend who is really into anime.

      • Open Book July 21, 2011 at 7:38 PM #

        I have only watched it a few times. It’s really a guy thing IMO! Sorry CR!

        • comic relief July 21, 2011 at 7:40 PM #

          I’m cool with it. I’m not as much of a fan as you might assume, but I respect the genre.

          • ozzie20 July 21, 2011 at 7:44 PM #

            No, I only learned of it when news of a remake started making the rounds.

          • comic relief July 21, 2011 at 7:45 PM #

            So tell me why do you think the Asian American community thinks or believes Akira will necessarily be so bad?

            I get it that they want and expect representation but the successful Hollywood trend seems to challenge the notion that this always works out badly?

            Do you think people stayed away from “The Last Airbender” because of the racial substitutions? The film even had a Twilighter in the cast.

            • Parisienne July 21, 2011 at 7:49 PM #

              this is from my point of view but if i was of a different ethnicity and someone was going to take something that my culture enjoyed and flip around so it was “americanizied” I would hope it would flop too. JMO

              • Open Book July 21, 2011 at 7:53 PM #

                ITA!

              • comic relief July 21, 2011 at 7:55 PM #

                LOL.

            • Open Book July 21, 2011 at 7:49 PM #

              Good Q CR!

              I think people stayed away because the film was bad and got bad reviews.

  15. Open Book July 21, 2011 at 7:44 PM #

    Is it me but are Asian actors not upset about this? I mean I don’t see anyone protesting or am I in the dark here?

    • Parisienne July 21, 2011 at 7:46 PM #

      I agree with you on this Open Book, why is nothing being said?

      • Parisienne July 21, 2011 at 7:46 PM #

        perhaps they are complacent. IDK.

      • comic relief July 21, 2011 at 8:06 PM #

        I should retrieve that material.

    • comic relief July 21, 2011 at 7:48 PM #

      OB,

      I’m not sure whether you’re right or not. I found a ton of Internet protest. Give me a minute I’ll bring some back.

      • Open Book July 21, 2011 at 7:51 PM #

        LOL! To be fair I will wait. But I’m sorry internet protest is not going to cut it. U got to get out there and pound the pavement if u want anything done.

        • Parisienne July 21, 2011 at 7:54 PM #

          that’s so true.

          • comic relief July 21, 2011 at 7:57 PM #

            Here’s a lot of unhappiness…

            http://blog.angryasianman.com/

            http://www.racebending.com/v4/featured/asian-american-community-reaches-out-to-warner-bros-about-akira/

            http://www.reappropriate.com/2010/11/15/zac-efron-will-not-star-in-upcoming-akira-film/

            Many in the Asian American community can’t stand the casting plans for this film.

            • comic relief July 21, 2011 at 8:01 PM #

              here some formal definitions if this makes understanding the topic any easier;

              Wikipedia definitions for Japanese popular culture:

              Manga:
              The word Manga when translated directly means “whimsical drawings”. In many cases manga can be perceived as comics with unique looking characters that are usually placed in different situations of life. But they are not to be mistaken for Americanized styles comics where they depict heroes saving the day or as such, but they represent pieces of Japanese culture and history. They take parts of everyday life dealing with politics, religion, economy, family and gender, and integrate it as such into the world of manga to create their stories. Manga in itself has a long history dating back to 10th century, where depictions of animals were drawn as being part of the upper class, these scrolls would go on to be known as the Chōjū giga or “The Animal Scrolls”.[2]

              Anime:
              Anime is a movie or episode of sorts which utilizes a cartoon art style to convey a story. Unlike Western cartoons, anime frequently tends to have more detailed character design. This can be used to allow for a better connection between the viewer and the character. Anime is based most of the time off animated comics or manga, manga is an ancient form of comic writing which dates all the way to the 12th century.[5]

              • ozzie20 July 21, 2011 at 8:06 PM #

                Very interesting, thank you for that.

                • comic relief July 21, 2011 at 8:19 PM #

                  your welcome.

            • Open Book July 21, 2011 at 8:05 PM #

              Yeah! I still believe u need to get in peoples faces in order for anything to happen.

              • Open Book July 21, 2011 at 8:10 PM #

                Thank CR for the links to the protest. But they are being way to passive. IMO!

                • comic relief July 21, 2011 at 8:14 PM #

                  OB,

                  You could be right.

                  That comics and science fiction fans are beginning to express anger toward the entire project is an understatement. Many of these fans express pride that they surmounted cultural barriers to assume their roles as western manga and anime’ fans. The need to westernize the series is interpreted as a means of trivializing the source material. If we take these voices seriously we find that some dissatisfaction is directed purely at the studio.

  16. comic relief July 21, 2011 at 8:05 PM #

    After his history as a break dancing fan or his work on “Blood Diamond”, does anyone think Leonardo DiCaprio just isn’t sensitive enough to what asian american’s are talking about?

    • Parisienne July 21, 2011 at 8:11 PM #

      Sorry everyone but i have to go cool down. Its way to hot. I’ll bbl and comment.

      • Open Book July 21, 2011 at 8:14 PM #

        Stay cool Paris.

        Talk to u soon!

        • ozzie20 July 21, 2011 at 8:25 PM #

          Bye Paris!

    • Open Book July 21, 2011 at 8:13 PM #

      TBH- I think this is over LD’s head and involves a lot of people not just Leo. Akira sounds like a big budget film and that means a lot of people have a say in the process.

      • comic relief July 21, 2011 at 8:17 PM #

        LOL!!!!!??????? Over his head, it’s his production company?

        I guess that’s possible?

        • Open Book July 21, 2011 at 8:19 PM #

          Yes! This is true but I’m sure his company is not the only production company involved. It looks like a pretty big budget film. NO!

          • comic relief July 21, 2011 at 8:22 PM #

            I think that might be right a ton of people will have to sign on to make this film fly.

  17. comic relief July 21, 2011 at 8:18 PM #

    Now that Katsuhiro Otomo has signed on to produce, do you think the Asian American protests are neutralized or do you think there’s still a problem?

    • Open Book July 21, 2011 at 8:20 PM #

      Behind the scenes is not the issue. It’s in front of the camera that’s the problem!

      • comic relief July 21, 2011 at 8:23 PM #

        Well I absolutely can’t and will not argue with that. I want to see more asian american actors!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

        • comic relief July 21, 2011 at 8:27 PM #

          I think hiring Katsuhiro Otomo is just a ploy to shut down any dissent concerning this film.

          He’s just getting another pay check for something he finished 3 decades ago.

          Surely he wouldn’t understand the frustrations Asian American’s feel not seeing themselves represented on screen.

          • Open Book July 21, 2011 at 8:30 PM #

            ITA! But until Asian Americans get more vocal nothing is going to change. IMO!

  18. Open Book July 21, 2011 at 8:25 PM #

    Everyone-

    We have five more minutes to the discussion tonight. CR has to leave a little early tonight but he will be back to answer and or comment later.

    • ozzie20 July 21, 2011 at 8:27 PM #

      I have no more questions. Sorry for not piping up more. I’m very tired and I agree with what everyone was saying! 🙂

      • Open Book July 21, 2011 at 8:29 PM #

        Ozzie- u are AWESOME tired and all!

        Take Care!

        • ozzie20 July 21, 2011 at 8:32 PM #

          Thank you! *hugs*

          Good topic CR! I’ll be very interested to see how this film plays out. I hope for all the fans that it is done well.

          Bye all!

  19. Open Book July 21, 2011 at 8:26 PM #

    Does anyone have anymore Q for CR?

    • comic relief July 21, 2011 at 8:29 PM #

      This story is so frustrating for me and others, but I think many would be happy if Hollywood figured out how to offer some sort of compromise.

      • Open Book July 21, 2011 at 8:31 PM #

        SO TRUE!!!

  20. comic relief July 21, 2011 at 8:30 PM #

    Thanks everyone for coming. Bye.

    • Open Book July 21, 2011 at 8:31 PM #

      Goodnight CR and Everyone!

      Great article and discussion.

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