Keanu Reeves replaces Alan Ritchson in Netflix action movie Maelstrom after surprise exit

Netflix is reviving Maelstrom, and Keanu Reeves is going to star as the lead. Reacher star Alan Ritchson was initially cast to play the lead, but dropped out of the project for unknown reasons.

Now, as Page Six Hollywood reports, Keanu Reeves has taken over the role after Ritchson's departure.

Maelstrom will star Keanu Reeves as a federal marshal

Netflix has picked up Maelstrom, a film that has been in development for 33 years. Alan Ritchson was originally cast to star as the film's lead, but reportedly left the project. Neither Ritchson nor Netflix has revealed the reason why the actor left the project. Now, Keanu Reeves has been cast to play the film's lead.

Maelstrom follows the story of a federal marshal, who must keep an arms dealer’s fiancée safe after he agrees to testify against him. When a powerful hurricane disrupts communications and cuts off their escape routes, the marshal is left without backup. As the dealer’s men close in on their hideout, they must survive a terrifying night of relentless danger.

The film's script was first written by Gregory Fitzpatrick in 1993 and became an instant hit, with studios scrambling to bid on it. Jeff Robinov, who was an agent back then, handled the script's bidding war. Warner Bros. outbid TriStar Pictures and Paramount Pictures, and bought the script for $225,000 against $625,000 (roughly $1.4 million today when adjusted for inflation).

Warner Bros. bought the script but kept it aside to stockpile high-profile action projects. Over the years, the studio considered several popular action stars for the project, including Clint Eastwood, Sylvester Stallone, and Steven Seagal. Director Renny Harlin, known for Die Hard 2, was also considered as a potential director for the film, but like many scripts from the 1990s, the project never moved forward and remained shelved for decades.

Jeff Robinov later became the President at Warner Bros. and signed a new production deal with Netflix. Netflix executive Ori Marmur, known for reviving long-shelved scripts, pushed to revive the film. Thus, Maelstrom is finally happening with Jeff Robinov as one of the producers of the film.

Only the news of Keanu Reeves getting cast has been confirmed. No other cast details have been revealed so far. Reeves, best-known for his roles in The Matrix film series, the John Wick franchise, Something's Gotta Give, and The Devil's Advocate, among other projects, is also going to star in Sonic the Hedgehog 4, The Entertainment System Is Down, and Shiver.

Maelstrom is directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, known for directing Orphan (2009) and Carry-on (2024). Mark Bianculli is the screenwriter behind the film, writing it based on the original screenplay by Gregory Fitzpatrick. Besides Robinov, the film is produced by Tabitha Shick. Talking Pictures is the production company behind the film.

No release date for Maelstrom has been confirmed yet. The film is still in development. More information is expected to be revealed in due time. Stay tuned for more updates.