Commercials director Carl Rinsch, who became the subject of much online chatter a while back as being a potential director of an “Alien” prequel, is now set to direct the big-budget samurai epic “47 Ronin” for Universal Pictures says The Hollywood Reporter.
The true story centers on a group of 18th century samurai who set out to avenge the death of their master and sacrifice everything to make sure of its success. The tone will mix fantastical elements and battle scenes to deliver a “Gladiator” meets “300” style feel.
Six Asian film adaptations of the story have been done before, but most western audiences will be most familiar with the story from John Frankenheimer’s 1998 “Ronin” in which Michael Lonsdale recounts the story to Robert DeNiro’s character.
Keanu Reeves is attached to star in the film while Chris Morgan (“Fast & Furious,” “Wanted”) penned the script.
Scott Stuber and Pamela Abdy will produce. Rinsch now seems certain NOT to be directing the “Alien” film which at last report Ridley Scott will likely helm.
