Actor Keanu Reeves is confirmed to lead in the upcoming action movie Maelstrom, a new release from Netflix directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, known for his work on Carry-On, as reported by Deadline.
Reeves replaces Alan Ritchson, formerly of Reacher, who stepped down from the lead role for reasons not disclosed. Netflix representatives have opted not to comment on the change.
The plot of Maelstrom centers on a Federal Marshal tasked with protecting the fiancée of an arms dealer-turned-witness. As a hurricane strikes, they become isolated without support, while the dealer’s associates launch an attack on their refuge, forcing the marshal to safeguard her throughout a treacherous night.
The current script is written by Mark Bianculli, based on an initial draft by the late Gregory Fitzpatrick. This project has been in development for many years, originally conceived as a spec script at Warner Bros. since 1993.
Producers Jeff Robinov and Tabitha Shick, along with Talking Pictures, will oversee the film’s production.
Following his work on the latest installment of the John Wick series, Reeves has been actively diversifying his filmography. He is reportedly in discussions to star in James Wan’s adaptation of the South Korean crime thriller The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil for Paramount, and he will reprise his role as Shadow in Sonic the Hedgehog 4. Additionally, he is set to adapt the upcoming novel Kill Current: A Jon Hendricks Thriller, marking the first production under his new venture, Two Dragonflies, in collaboration with The Arena and Zando.
Reeves’ upcoming appearances include the sci-fi film Shiver, scheduled for release by Warner Bros. next August, and The Entertainment System Is Down, directed by multiple Palme d’Or winner Ruben Östlund, which A24 will distribute in the U.S.
The news of Reeves’ casting in Maelstrom was first reported by Page Six Hollywood.
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Keanu Reeves To Star In ‘Maelstrom’ At Netflix, Replacing Alan Ritchson
