Keira Knightley linked to 'Akira' role

Keira Knightley has reportedly been approached to star in the live-action adaptation of Japanese manga series Akira.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the Pride and Prejudice actress has been contact about an unknown role in the film, but it is unknown whether Knightley has expressed interest in the project.

Tron Legacy star Garrett Hedlund is already said to be in talks to play lead character Kaneda, while We Need To Talk About Kevin actor Ezra Miller has emerged as the frontrunner to play tortured psychic Tetsuo.

The Dark Knight Rises actor Gary Oldman and Harry Potter villain Helena Bonham Carter are also said to be circling roles on the project.

Akira will be helmed by Jaume Collet-Serra and will be directly adapted from Katsuhiro Otomo's classic manga.