Maelstrom - Alan Ritchson Hands Over to Keanu Reeves

Keanu Reeves is in talks to star in Maelstrom, an action thriller destined for Netflix and directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, already director of the successful film Carry-On and other high-tension works like Orphan and Unknown - Senza identità. The project is based on a screenplay that has been in development for over thirty years.

The story follows a federal marshal tasked with protecting the wife of a powerful arms dealer, who is determined to testify against him in exchange for protection. When a hurricane cuts off communications and prevents reinforcements from arriving, the two must face the criminal's hitmen, who are determined to eliminate the woman.

From an old Warner Bros. project to Netflix

The original screenplay, penned by Gregory Fitzpatrick, was sold to Warner Bros. in 1993. The script was subsequently updated by Mark Bianculli, while Jeff Robinov, involved in the initial operation, is again listed among the producers. Initially, the role was for Alan Ritchson, who withdrew, opening the door for Reeves. The most plausible hypothesis is a conflict of professional commitments, given that Ritchson is involved in several projects including the sequel to War Machine, although there is no confirmation of the real reason for his departure.

Loved and remembered especially for the John Wick and Matrix franchises, for Reeves the film would represent a new action role in a story built around a siege, with the fury of the storm complicating any escape attempt. Awaiting the release date.