Dec 10, 2008

Entertainment - Keanu Reeves to star in '47 Ronin'

Washington, Dec 9 (ANI): Keanu Reeves has signed on to star in "47 Ronin," an epic period film for Universal Pictures based on the true tale of a band of samurai swordsmen who avenged the death of their master in 18th century Japan.

In "47 Ronin," Reeves will play one of the swordsmen; the group and their master are revered in Japan for their revenge attack on Dec. 14, 1702, reports Variety.

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

Wanted's co-writer Chris Morgan is on scripting duty and will tailor the script so that Keanu can convincingly use his half-Asian status to play one of the warriors.

Scott Stuber will produce through his Stuber Prods. banner. Walter Hamada and Chris Fenton will be exec producers.

The film will apparently start shooting next year once a director has been tracked down. (ANI)

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