Role Reversal: Keanu Reeves Replaces Alan Ritchson in Netflix’s Maelstrom Action Movie

Reeves takes over the role

Variety reports that Reeves has replaced Ritchson in Maelstrom. Ritchson had been cast in the action film as part of his work with Netflix, which also included War Machine.

No explanation has been given for Ritchson’s exit. He remains involved in other Netflix projects, including a MotoGP thriller, a survival competition series and War Machine 2.

A storm strands the pair

Maelstrom centers on an arms dealer’s fiancée, who plans to testify against him in exchange for entering witness protection. A federal marshal is assigned to protect her. A hurricane disrupts the operation by knocking out communications and preventing reinforcements from reaching them. The marshal and the woman must face the dealer’s gang without help.

Director stays attached

Jaume Collet-Serra remains the film’s director. Mark Bianculli has replaced Gregory Fitzpatrick as screenwriter, and no release date has been announced. The project dates to 1993, when Warner Bros. acquired the spec script. Producer Jeff Robinov, then a Warner Bros. executive, now runs Studio 8 and has a deal with Netflix; the film is being developed for the streamer.

Reeves has more films ahead

Reeves is known for playing John Wick across four films, including the spinoff Ballerina, and for portraying Neo in The Matrix. His other credits include Speed, Constantine and Toy Story 4.

His upcoming projects include Sonic the Hedgehog 4, Constantine 2 and John Wick 5. Ritchson, known for Reacher, has also appeared in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, Fast X, Titans and Smallville.