Keanu Reeves to Star in Netflix Action Thriller "Maelstrom"
The project, inspired by "Die Hard," was originally pitched in 1993 and sees Reeves replace Alan Ritchson in the lead role.
Keanu Reeves is set to headline "Maelstrom," a new action film at Netflix that draws inspiration from the classic "Die Hard" franchise. The project, which had previously been in talks with Alan Ritchson for the lead, has now secured the "John Wick" star. "Maelstrom" is being directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, known for his work on Netflix's successful film "Carry-On."
The film's plot centers on a Federal Marshall tasked with protecting the fiancée of an arms dealer who is entering witness protection. The story unfolds over a single night as a hurricane disrupts communications, forcing the pair to confront the arms dealer's henchmen and the storm's fury.
"Maelstrom" revives a script first pitched in 1993. The original screenplay by Greg Fitzpatrick was sold to Warner Bros. 33 years ago, a period when studios were actively seeking action films in the vein of "Die Hard." The script has since been updated by Mark Bianculli, who also worked on an upcoming remake of the 1993 Sylvester Stallone film "Cliffhanger."
Collet-Serra and Netflix have a history of reviving dormant projects. "Carry-On," which was in development for 11 years before Netflix revived it with Taron Egerton and Jason Bateman, became one of the streamer's most-viewed films.
Netflix executive Ori Marmur reportedly encouraged producers to bring forward their best unmade, high-concept projects, leading to the revival of "Maelstrom." Jeff Robinov, who was involved in the original sale of Fitzpatrick's script when he was an agent, is producing the film. This project is reportedly the first major title under a deal Robinov recently inked with Netflix.
Reps for Reeves and Netflix declined to comment, and reps for Ritchson did not respond.