What happened to Keanu Reeves’ BRZRKR Live-Action SciFi Movie?

Fans of BRZRKR have been eagerly awaiting news about the live-action adaptation of the comic series, co-created by Keanu Reeves and Matt Kindt. The story follows the immortal warrior B, who works for the U.S. government, seeking to uncover the mystery behind his curse while fighting through a violent world. Here’s the latest update on the highly anticipated Netflix project.

Netflix’s Acquisition and Development

The rights to BRZRKR were picked up by Netflix back in 2021, and since then, fans have been excited about the project, especially with Keanu Reeves set to star as the character B, who was designed with him in mind. Beyond acting, Reeves has expressed deeper involvement in the project. While he’s hinted that there’s a 33% chance he may direct the film, he hasn’t fully committed to taking on that role. This would mark his second time directing, following Man of Tai Chi (2013)​(Production_ Netflix has…) .

The Screenplay and Production Progress

Mattson Tomlin, who co-wrote The Batman (2022), penned the screenplay for BRZRKR, completing it in October 2022. Reeves admitted that by early 2023, he hadn’t read the final script yet, but he was thrilled about Netflix’s decision to keep the movie rated R. This was an essential aspect for fans who wanted the film to maintain the comic’s intense violence and mature themes .

Tomlin’s writing background in action-heavy films like Project Power means that fans can expect thrilling, brutal fight scenes that align with the comic’s tone. However, it’s important to note that Reeves has also clarified the film won’t be a direct shot-for-shot adaptation but rather will take the essence of the comic and introduce some fresh narrative directions​(Production_ Netflix has…).

Release Date Speculation

There were early rumors of a 2024 release, but with production still underway and no official release date confirmed, a more realistic estimate would push the film’s release to late 2024 or even 2025​(Production_ Netflix has…). Fans will have to wait a bit longer, but Netflix’s continued dedication to the project means it is still very much on the way.

Expanding the BRZRKR Universe: Anime Series

In addition to the live-action film, Netflix is also developing a two-season BRZRKR anime, produced by the renowned Production I.G. studio, known for Ghost in the Shell. Reeves will voice the character B in the anime, further expanding his involvement in the franchise. The anime promises to delve deeper into the BRZRKR universe, offering fans a different medium to explore the story while waiting for the live-action adaptation .

What Can Fans Expect?

Though the film has faced delays, BRZRKR is shaping up to be a faithful yet creatively refreshed adaptation of the beloved comic series. With Reeves’ direct involvement in multiple aspects, from acting to potential directing, fans can expect the movie to retain the intense, gritty spirit of the original material. Plus, the combination of Tomlin’s screenplay and Netflix’s dedication to producing an R-rated feature promises the kind of violent action that made the comic stand out.

While there’s still some waiting to be done, the excitement continues to build. Be on the lookout for more updates, as BRZRKR is poised to become one of Netflix’s major releases when it finally drops.