Keanu Reeves to star in Netflix revival of 'Die Hard'-inspired action movie first pitched in 1993

Recent reporting from outlets including Variety, ScreenRant, World of Reel, Comic Book Resources, and Page Six details a major casting change for an upcoming Netflix project. Actor Keanu Reeves is officially set to star in the new action movie titled Maelstrom. Coverage indicates that Reeves is stepping into the role to replace Alan Ritchson, who has dropped out of the production. The film is described as an action thriller with a distinct cinematic pedigree, drawing comparisons to classic genre filmmaking.

According to the published reports, the project will be directed by Jaume Collet-Serra. The film is built upon a spec script that was originally pitched way back in 1993, remaining unproduced for decades until being dusted off for this revival. Multiple outlets have highlighted the specific premise of the script, with Comic Book Resources noting that the thriller has been informally characterized through the working concept of being Die Hard in a hurricane. This unusual production history brings a long-dormant screenplay into the modern streaming era under Netflix.

The revival connects a 1990s-era speculative script with contemporary high-profile action star power, matching Reeves with director Jaume Collet-Serra. Coverage does not yet specify a definitive release date, a full supporting cast roster, or a precise timeline for when principal photography will commence under the streaming platform. Observers and fans following entertainment news will need to monitor upcoming updates from Netflix and the participating trade publications for further developments. Specifically, future reporting is expected to clarify production schedules, additional casting announcements, and whether any further creative adjustments will be made to the 1993 script as it finally moves forward toward production.