Kristen Stewart is reportedly the main contender to play the female lead Kei in Jaume Collet-Sera’s upcoming film adaptation of the manga-anime ‘Akira,’ Collider is reporting. If cast, the The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1″ actress will reunite with her ‘On the Road’ co-star Garrett Hedlund, who will portray Kaneda, the leader of a biker gang who sets out to save his friend Tetsuo. Kaneda wants to protect Tetsuo, who has potentially destructive psychokinetic abilities, from government medical experiments. Kei, a young medium, serves as a love interest for Kaneda in the action-adventure film.

‘Akira,’ which was written by Steve Kloves and will be distributed by Warner Bros, is set to begin filming in Spring 2012. Gary Oldman has been offered to play the role of Colonel, and Helena Bonham Carter has been approached to portray Lady Miyako.

Written by: Karen Benardello