47 Ronin stars Keanu Reeves leading an elite group of samurai warriors and taking on some pretty ferocious opponents. Check out the trailer that may or may not make you say, “whoa.”
It’s been over five years since we’ve seen Keanu Reeves in a big screen epic. The actor has kept a pretty low profile since 2008’s The Day the Earth Stood Still, appearing in only three films.
Reeves has been busy making 47 Ronin, which began filming in 2011 and has had its release date pushed back twice. It now seems prime for its winter release, rolling out this trailer for the fantasy samurai epic.
47 Ronin tells the story of the real life Ronin warriors set against a fantastical backdrop that includes dragons, giants, and other monstrous adversaries (think 300).
Reeves plays an outcast “half-breed” brought to join the Ronin on a dangerous quest to avenge their fallen master.
Carl Rinsch makes his directorial debut with the film that was first announced back in 2008 with Reeves attached. Chris Morgan (Wanted, Fast and Furious series) and Hossein Amini (Drive) get top writing credits.
The principle cast is comprised entirely of Japanese actors with the exception of Reeves. Rinsch and the producers reportedly felt it more important to tell an authentic story than fill the screen with recognizable actors. Reeves’ “half-breed” character was written specifically for the The Matrix actor.
The film was shot on location in Japan as well as Budapest and on a sound stages in London.
47 Ronin opens in the U.S. on Christmas Day.