WB, which had the "Akira" rights several years ago only to let them lapse and then recapture them in a spirited bidding battle, is planning a twin bill that the filmmakers have described as "Blade Runner" meets "City of God."

Studio has closed a seven-figure rights acquisition deal with manga publisher Kodansha and has set Ruairi Robinson to direct a script by Gary Whitta ("Book of Eli"). Andrew Lazar's Mad Chance will produce with Appian Way's Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Davisson.

Each feature will be based on three of the books in Otomo's series. The drama takes place in New Manhattan, a metropolis that was rebuilt after being destroyed 31 years earlier.

Robinson, an Irish helmer who has been Oscar nominated for his short film and commercials work, is making his feature debut.

The project was brought in by exec veep Greg Silverman, who has supervised "300" and "Batman Begins."

Lazar is producer on the WB comedy "Get Smart," and he's about to start production on the Jim Carrey starrer "I Love You Phillip Morris" for EuropaCorp and Fox Searchlight.

Appian Way is producing the John Cusack starrer "The Factory" for WB and Dark Castle.

© Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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