Keanu to Lead ’47 Ronin’

Keanu Reeves will star in ’47 Ronin’, an epic period film for Universal about the true tale of  a band of samurai swordsmen who avenged the death of their master in 18th century Japan.   Reeves will  play one of the swordsmen; the group and their master are revered in Japan for their revenge attack on Dec. 14, 1702.

The film will tell a stylized  version of the story, mixing fantasy elements of the sort seen in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ films,  with gritty battle scenes akin to those in films such as ‘Gladiator’.

Chris Morgan (‘Wanted’, ‘Fast and Furious’) is writing the script.   He is  tailoring it so that Reeves — who’s half-Asian — can fit the role as one of the swordsmen. The intention is to begin shooting next year after a director is hired.

What do you think? Â  Are you excited to see a film about the 47 Ronin? Â  Think Reeves is a decent choice to lead? Â  Should it be an all-Japanese cast? Â  Let us know by commenting below!

Source: Variety