Gary Oldman and Helena Bonham-Carter wanted for Akira

No word yet on whether Garrett Hedlund has put pen to paper to star in the live action remake of Akira .

However, we do know where director Jaume Collet-Serra wants to splash some more of his $90m budget, having offered roles to Gary Oldman and Helena Bonham-Carter.

It's rumoured that Oldman has been asked to play the Colonel, while Bonham Carter is wanted for the role of Lady Miyako.

Don't be surprised if her character isn't called Lady Miyako when the film rolls around in 2013, given that it is now set in New Manhattan rather than Neo-Tokyo.

We have to admit we're cautious about this one. Still, if the production is going after talent of the calibre of Oldman and Bonham-Carter then it's taking a step in the right direction.