Warner Bros. is turning Katsuhiro Otomo's classic manga "Akira" into two live-action films. The studio previously held the adaptation rights years ago, but had to reacquire them in a seven-figure deal with Kodansha after they lapsed.

This will be the first feature film directed by Ireland's Ruairi Robinson, who is known for his work in short films and commercials. Gary Whitta ("Book of Eli") is writing the script. Andrew Lazar of Mad Chance is producing the film along with Leonardio DiCaprio and Jennifer Davisson of Appian Way, DiCaprio's production company.

Each film will span three of the manga's six volumes, and the story will be set in "New Manhattan" instead of Neo-Tokyo. The first movie has been slated for summer 2009. No cast details have been announced.