The film adaptation by Warner Brothers will have the writer and screenwriter Albert Torres, who will work with director Albert Hughes, the latter known for films like Menace II Society, From Hell and The Book of Eli.
In the words of producer Andrew Lazar, Akira is a project that Warner executives would love to have as a franchise, as they see their high commercial and intrinsic value.
Lazar also confirmed that the first film will cover the first three volumes of the manga by Katsuhiro Otomo, and the possible sequel would cover the following three.
It seems that Warner is trying to take things seriously, although it is somewhat difficult, since they always think on commercial terms, which is what usually never works with this type of adaptations (Dragon Ball: Evolution, anyone?)
Well, it'll be a matter of crossing fingers and pray that they don't rape this manga