Reeves is one of '47 Ronin' (VAR)
By Nancy Tartaglione-Vialatte
Keanu Reeves will sling swords in the epic period film "47 Ronin" for Universal. Variety reports that the film is based on the true tale of a band of samurai swordsmen who avenged the death of their master in 18th century Japan. �Wanted� co-writer Chris Morgan is writing the script. Scott Stuber will produce through his Stuber Prods. banner.
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.
The film will be a stylized version of the story, mixing fantasy elements of the sort seen in "The Lord of the Rings" movies, with gritty battle scenes akin to those in films such as "Gladiator," says Variety.
Shooting is expected to start next year after a director is hired.
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