After updating the 1951 sci-fi classic The Day The Earth Stood Still, Keanu Reeves will star in 47 Ronin, a stylized account of a real historical event involving a group of vengeful samurai. According to Daily Variety, the Universal Pictures production will bring fantasy elements to the 18th century tale, which should involve a good deal of digital vfx work. Filming is expected to begin next year.
Reeves, who is half Asian, will play one of the samurai out to avenge the death of his Master. The script is being tailored for him by Chris Morgan, who was one of the writers who adapted the Top Cow comic Wanted for the big screen. The pic is being produced by Scott Stuber (The Wolfman) of Stuber Prods. No director is yet attached.
The Day the Earth Stood Still arrives in theaters this Friday. In the film, Reeves plays a humanoid alien being who comes to Earth to warn mankind of its impending doom. The remake is directed by Scott Derrickson (The Exorcism of Emily Rose) from a screenplay by David Scarpa (The Last Castle). The extensive visual effects work was completed by Weta Digital, Flash Film Works, Hydraulx, Cinesite, Digital Dimension, Image Engine and Persistence of Vision, among other vendors.
