Actor Keanu Reeves has passed on Warner Bros. live-action remake of Akira. We reported earlier this month that the studio expressed interest in Keanu Reeves portraying Kaneda, although the actor decided to pass on the role last Thursday.

The studio has also shut down the pre-visualization department and let go of staff members working on the movie. However, Warner Bros. is still actively searching for cast members. Here is a statement released by the studio.

"Production on Akira has not halted or been shut down, as the film has not yet been greenlit and is still very much in the development stage. The exploratory process is crucial to a project of this magnitude, and we will continue to sculpt our approach to making the best possible film."

We reported in February that screenwriter Steve Kloves is rewriting the script, which was originally written by Albert Torres. Albert Hughes and Allen Hughes are still attached as directors, although it isn't clear when Akira will be given the green light.