The live-action adaptation of Katsuhiro Otomo's popular manga "Akira" has been a subject of speculation for years. It seems that the movie is about to be materialised now, and a well-known director has been approached for the movie by Warner Bros.

The project has been delayed numerous times, with talks featuring two directors, one co-financier, and a half dozen screenwriters, since Warner Bros. acquired the live-action rights in 2008.

The movie first got the green light in 2011 with plans for Jaume Collet-Serra to direct the movie and Garrett Hedlund of "Tron: Legacy" fame to appear as the protagonist, Kaneda. However, as reported by Comic Book Resources, Warner Bros. stopped the production less than three months later due to several issues related to the budget and casting.

The project resurfaced again, in 2013. Collet-Serra was still attached as the director. Much to the fans' disappointment, it was halted for a second time, less than two years after the first aborted take-off. Last year, latest developments began when "Daredevil" show-runner Marco Ramirez approached the studio to look at the script.

The latest rumours state that Warner Bros. is eyeing "Star Trek Beyond" and "The Fast and the Furious" director Justin Lin to helm the "Akira" project.

The rumour originated from "Meet the Movie Press" where Variety alum and host of the show, Jeff Sneider, stated that though "Akira" no longer has a cast attached, it does have a new script and will be produced by Leonardo DiCaprio's Appian Way Productions.

Lin is also signed by Warner Bros. to direct "Space Jam 2," and Sneider has hinted that the studio might shuffle the schedules, once Lin is confirmed for "Akira."

"All I know is that Warner Bros. really seems to believe in Justin Lin, and he is the target to direct 'Akira' at this time," Sneider said.