Keanu Reeves Takes a 33-Year-Old ‘Die Hard in a Hurricane’ Script to Netflix

Keanu Reeves is set to star in "Maelstrom," a Netflix action movie built on a script that was first sold to a Hollywood studio in 1993, according to Page Six, Variety and TheWrap. The role was previously linked to Alan Ritchson, who has dropped out.

Jaume Collet-Serra, who directed the Netflix hit "Carry-On," is directing. Page Six reported that representatives for Reeves and Netflix did not comment.

What is "Maelstrom" about?

The story follows a federal marshal assigned to guard the fiancée of an arms dealer. She is seeking witness protection and is preparing to testify against him, according to Variety and Page Six. It all happens over one night as a hurricane arrives and cuts off communication. Variety said the storm also keeps reinforcements from reaching the pair, who must fight off the dealer's henchmen.

Where did the script come from?

It was sold as a spec script, meaning one written without being commissioned, to Warner Bros. in 1993, 33 years ago. Variety said producer Jeff Robinov sold it at the time as an agent. Page Six and TheWrap said he was at ICM then. Reports from the time described it as "Die Hard" in a hurricane, part of a studio push to stock up on action scripts for stars such as Sylvester Stallone, Steven Seagal and Clint Eastwood, according to Page Six and TheWrap.

Variety reported that the script sold for roughly $225,000 to $625,000. TheWrap noted that period coverage said it fetched less than some had predicted, since some had guessed it would top $1 million. The original writer is named Greg Fitzpatrick by Page Six and TheWrap, and Variety describes him as the late Gregory Fitzpatrick. Mark Bianculli, who is also writing a new "Cliffhanger" with Collet-Serra, has revised the screenplay.

Why did Netflix revive it, and why did Ritchson leave?

Page Six reported that Netflix executive Ori Marmur, who revived "Carry-On," had urged top producers to bring the streamer their best unmade, high-concept projects. "Maelstrom" is reportedly the first project under a new Netflix deal for Robinov, a former Warner Bros. film chief who is producing.

Page Six said "Carry-On" sat dormant for 11 years before Netflix revived it, and that it became the third most viewed film ever at the streamer. Reports differ on Ritchson. Variety said it is unclear why he left, while TheWrap suggested he may be heading to a sequel to Netflix's "War Machine," which he led earlier this year.

Why does it matter?

For viewers, it signals another big-name action movie coming to Netflix and shows how the streamer is mining Hollywood's shelved ideas. A script that dates to the era of the "Die Hard" imitators is being brought back with a star best known for "John Wick" and "The Matrix," according to Variety.

The reports describe an attached cast and director, not a finished film. Netflix has not commented, and no release date, shooting schedule or other cast members were disclosed in the coverage.

What else is Reeves working on?

Variety reported that Reeves is in talks to lead James Wan's "The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil" for Paramount. He is also due to reprise his voice role as Shadow in 2027's "Sonic the Hedgehog 4." TheWrap listed further projects, including an animated "John Wick" prequel.

Around Prague, based on reporting by Page Six, Variety, TheWrap