Warner Bros. Pictures has finally given the live-action adaptation of Akira, the graphic novel by Katsuhiro Otomo the greenlight. The new big-screen version of the classic manga has been held up by problems like budget issues, and the departure of director Albert Hughes (Book of Eli).

Variety reports that Garrett Hedlund (Tron: Legacy) is being considered a front-runner for one of the two lead roles, and Jaume Collet-Serra (Unknown) is confirmed to direct the film. Back in March, Steve Kloves signed onto do a rewrite of the Hawk Ostby, Mark Fergus and Gary Whitta penned script. The story takes place in a rebuilt New Manhattan, where the leader of a biker gang saves his friend from a medical experiment.

Otomo’s novel was first adapted as an animated feature, also titled Akira, in 1988. The film earned $84m at the US box office in less than a month. Otomo will act as executive producer on this live action adaptation.

Akira is slated to hit theaters in 2013.