Variety is reporting this morning that Universal Pictures are near to closing on a deal that will see Carl Erik Rinsch make his directing debut with 47 Ronin. An epic period samurai swordsman tale starring Keanu Reeves.

47 Ronin sees a band of samurai who seek to avenge the death of their master in 18th century Japan. Styilisticly it’s being described as taking the fantastical elements of Lord of the Rings but with battle scenes from the likes of 300 and Gladiator.

It’s unclear why Universal is taking such a gamble with entrusting a big budget fillm to a first time director. Rinsch doesn’t have a proven track record having previously only directed commercials for the likes of Mercedes, BMW, Sprite and Heineken. But it’s not only Universal that seem to want Rinsch. Ridley Scott had originally wanted Rinsch to direct the Alien prequel until he decided to take over himself.

The question I want answered though is, what is it about Keanu Reeves that keeps him in work? It’s certainly not his acting ability. Does he have a huge fanbase? I just can’t put my finger on it. Apparently Reeves is half-asian, but that can’t possibly be the reason for casting him as a samurai? Can it?