Reacher star Alan Ritchson is reportedly being lined up to lead a new Netflix action movie, following the success of War Machine. Released earlier this year, the sci-fi has since become one of the streamer’s most successful films – currently sitting at number nine in its global Top 10 most popular movies ever.
In the wake of another huge hit, Carry-On (ranked at number three on the list) – which spent over a decade in limbo before work got off the ground – Netflix put out a call for the best unmade projects.
The streaming giant is now planning to make Maelstrom, based on a spec script that goes back to 1993, according to Variety.
While the project hasn’t been officially confirmed, Ritchson is reportedly in talks to lead, with Carry-On’s Jaume Collet-Serra set to direct. The late writer Gregory Fitzpatrick penned the original screenplay, with Hunters producer Mark Bianculli set to update it with more modern sensibilities.
Netflix
Related: Best streaming services
Maelstrom focuses on a Federal Marshall who protects an arms dealer’s fiancée looking for witness protection. The action takes place over the course of one evening, as a hurricane blocks outside communication and the arrival of reinforcements, with men working for the arms dealer targeting them.
Meanwhile, War Machine is reportedly getting a sequel following its success, with Ritchson likely to return to his role as 81, as well as to produce.
The movie focuses on a training exercise for the US Army Ranger programme, though 81’s team encounter an otherworldly killing machine.
Director and co-writer Patrick Hughes previously teased ideas for a follow-up, telling TheWrap: “I said to Netflix, ‘I think more than anything, people want to know – What is [Ritchson’s] name? Where are they from? What do they want? What is happening?’ This is very exciting. I can’t go into any details.
Netflix
Related: UK film release dates
“I know when I wrote it they had it all mapped out – what I would do, touch wood, if they did give me the opportunity. It’s expanding that world but at the same time it’s not doing what’s expected. I’ve got an absolute banger. I’m excited. It’s f**king big.”
In Digital Spy’s review of War Machine, we described it as “100-odd minutes of action-packed entertainment that you can enjoy to switch off from the world”.
War Machine is streaming now on Netflix.
Visit our Streaming Guide now to see at a glance where you can view ALL your favourite shows and movies.
The new edition of Living Legends, celebrating the global phenomenon of BTS, is here! Buy this ultimate fan guide in newsagents or online.
Sam is a freelance reporter and sub-editor who has a particular interest in movies, TV and music. After completing a journalism Masters at City University, London, Sam joined Digital Spy as a reporter, and has also freelanced for publications such as NME and Screen International. Sam, who also has a degree in Film, can wax lyrical about everything from Lord of the Rings to Love Is Blind, and is equally in his element crossing every ‘t’ and dotting every ‘i’ as a sub-editor.