On Friday, fans will get a chance to see a live-action adaptation of the anime classic Ghost in the Shell. It is believed that should this film do well enough, the long gesturing live-action adaptation of one of the greatest sci-fi anime films made, Akira, will finally come to light.

Having been in developmental hell for well over a decade, Katushiro Otomo‘s classic anime film remains one of the best ever made. The story, which revolves around a motorcycle gang leader who must stop his superpowered subordinate from releasing a deadly imprisoned psychic whose name bears the title of the film.

Two names have come up in contention to become the director of the live-action film and both come from Sweden. They are Daniel Espinosa (Easy Money) (top right) and David Sandberg (Lights Out) (top left). Warner Brothers Pictures have retained the rights of the film since 2008 and to this day, it is still in development.

The next few years will have many live-action adaptations of manga and anime. Japan will have Blade of the Immortal, Hurricane Polymer, Gintama, Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure: Diamond is Unbreakable and Fullmetal Alchemist on their slate this year while Hollywood will have Death Note on Netflix later this year and Alita: Battle Angel next year.

More as this news develops.

H/T: Dark Horizons