Keanu Reeves, a living hero in Hollywood, is considering taking the helm for Netflix’s film version of BRZRKR, a comic book about a timeless warrior. Creators Reeves and Matt Kindt, along with illustrator Ron Garney, sat down with Steven Weintraub to talk about the future of the BRZRKR brand. Reeves said in the interview that he hasn’t seen the script by Mattson Tomlin yet, but he’s thinking of directing the film version of his best-selling comic.
A successful Kickstarter campaign in 2020 led to the publication of the epic novel BRZRKR in 2021. The tale is quite cinematic and action-packed, with a warrior who looks like Reeves pounding people to a pulp at different times throughout history.
Netflix said last year that it will adapt the comic book BRZRKR into a live-action feature and a two-season animated series. It comes as no surprise that Reeves will play the protagonist in the live-action adaptation. Tomlin, the film’s screenwriter, revealed on Twitter last week that he has completed his draught of the BRZRKR movie, marking a new stage of production while the animated series remains under wraps. The comic book team probably did not get a chance to study the screenplay before our interview because of how little time passed between the announcement and the interview itself.
Nonetheless, we inquired, and Reeves verified that he does not have the time to read it. He informed us, “I got it yesterday or two days ago. I have not yet read it. Reeves also mentioned to us that they haven’t decided if everyone would approve of Tomlin’s script yet, so it’s “early days” to select a director. Reeves, though, admitted that he had considered taking the helm of the film himself. Reeves claims that he has a 33% probability of being hired as the director. That’s not a poor chance at all. With Reeves at the helm, the BRZRKR live-action feature has a better chance of staying true to the comics. Reeves only has one directing credit, 2013’s Man of Tai Chi, which he took over since he was involved in the film’s scripting and ultimately became emotionally invested in. So, if Reeves enjoys Tomlin’s writing, the same thing may happen, as he claims it could.
To paraphrase what he says: For example, “I know how much labour it is, but when the film I directed, Man of Tai Chi, was born, I became the director because I was involved in the creative process and didn’t want to pass it off to someone else. Ah, I see, I thought. This is something that I have to take charge of and direct. I still have a ways to go before I can fully appreciate ‘BRZRKR. First, I need to read the screenplay, but I’m also curious about working with someone else on this and seeing what they can contribute.
Now that we know about this incredible prospect, all we can say is “Get that percentage up, dude,” as Garney told Reeves during their chat. It’s really all on you if you ask me. It is something you need to be doing. It’s a Clint Eastwood trademark. You’ve got what it takes; it’s kind of your thing. The BRZRKR film and cartoon have yet to receive a release date. We’ll be sure to let you know when the whole interview with Reeves, Kindt, and Garney is posted. Until then, for the 15th anniversary of their 2005 DC Comics adaption Constantine, stars Keanu Reeves and Francis Lawrence, with Goldsman at the helm as producer.