Keanu Reeves to star in Netflix thriller "Maelstrom", replacing Alan Ritchson

Keanu Reeves will play the lead in Netflix's new action thriller "Maelstrom". He takes over the role from Alan Ritchson, known from the series "Reacher", who has dropped out of the film. Jaume Collet-Serra, director of Netflix's hit "Carry-On", will be behind the camera.

A change in the cast

According to Variety, as reported by Polish media, Ritchson had been in talks about the role but ultimately withdrew. The reasons for his decision have not been made public. Netflix has not commented on the casting change.

What the film is about

The protagonist is a federal marshal, to be played by Reeves. He is tasked with protecting the fiancée of an arms dealer. She has decided to cooperate with the authorities and testify against the criminal in exchange for witness protection status.

The action takes place over a single night. A powerful hurricane wrecks telecommunications infrastructure and prevents reinforcements from arriving. The marshal and the witness are trapped in a hideout, fending off the gangster's henchmen while dealing with the effects of the disaster. Unofficially, the project is often described as a variation on "Die Hard" set during a hurricane.

A script from 1993

The project's history goes back to 1993. The original draft script was written by the late Gregory Fitzpatrick, and it was sold to Warner Bros. at the time by Jeff Robinov, then working as an agent. For decades the film never progressed beyond development. It is now being made by Netflix and will be the first major title under the platform's deal with Robinov and his production company. According to the website Antyweb, the script is being polished by Mark Bianculli.

No release date or details of the rest of the cast have been announced yet.