Keanu Reeves in talks for AKIRA live-action adaptation

Keanu Reeves is the latest actor to be in talks to star in the live-action adaptation of Akira from the Hughes Brothers and Warner Bros. According to Vulture, Reeves would is considering starring in the film after he finishes 47 Ronin. It has been reported that Brad Pitt and Ryan Gosling were sought for the role at one point, but passed on the project. With the studio starting to run out of options, they turned to Reeves because he has global appeal. 

It makes sense that WB would want to cast someone that can handle a big budget film of this magnitude. Akira reportedly has a working budget of an earth shattering $230 million. Even Legendary Pictures even declined to help carry the burden.  Warner Bros. will either have to foot the entire bill or more likely find co-financing.

The studio is currenlty is in talks to co-finance the Universal/Imagine adaptation of The Dark Tower. Earlier we reported that the project was in turnaround is said to be false, according to Vulture sources. Apparently, ever since Comcast took over Universal there has been scrutiny over expenditures and they have been very cautious about moving forward with the $300 million budget. As you can expect, no comment was made by Universal reps at this time. Let's hope that both projects move forward and that the studios work co-financing out. 

I think Reeves would be a good choice to star. He can handle films of epic proportions like The Matrix franchise. He also works well as characters in those types of films, in my opinion. What are your thoughts on this news?