The Akira live-action adaptation is moving swiftly ahead at Warner Bros. Garrett Hedlund is set to headline the film as Kaneda, and an offer is out to Kristen Stewart for the key female role of Ky Reed.

Now, Warner Bros. and director Jaume Collet-Serra are testing for the best friend role of Tetsuo, the young man whose telekinetic prowess is capable of unleashing the powerful being known as Akira.

A fresh, hot roster of talent is being eyed for this highly contested role. Up for the part are Michael Pitt, who currently appears on Boardwalk Empire, and Paul Dano, best known for his roles in Little Miss Sunshine and There Will Be Blood.

Other actors up for the part include:

All of the actors are between the ages of 29 an 30. A casting announcement is expected before Thanksgiving.