Keanu Reevesmay be returning to the realm of vigilante superheroes. Over a decade after leading a film adaptation ofConstantine,Deadlinereports that theJohn Wickactor is being eyed to lead a high-profile original superhero movie for Netflix calledPast Midnight. The film hails from writerTJ Fixmanand will be directed byDopehelmerRick Famuyiwa, who was attached to direct DC’sThe Flashbefore dropping out over creative differences. Additionally, this project hails from producersJoeandAnthony Russo, best known as the directors of Marvel’sCaptain Americasequels and the upcomingAvengersfilms.
So that’s one hell of a creative package right there. What’s the story about? Well plot details are being kept under wraps, but it’s being described as “a new type of vigilante superhero story.” That’s about all the information we have at this point, but it’d mark a curious turn for Reeves, whose career has taken a number of twists and turns. The actor is sneakily one of the most versatile performers working today, easily vacillating between comedy, romance, drama, and action. You buy him in anything, and one imagines he’d be a terrific anchor for what would no doubt be an original franchise.
Reeves isn’t officially signed on so there’s always the possibility he doesn’t, but the project is an exciting one nonetheless. Netflix has really ramped up its original film production as of late, and while they scored a couple of Oscar nominations forMudbound, they’re also clearly moving into the blockbuster realm. Last December’sBrightwas their first foray into this territory, and while the film was savaged by critics, it appears it has a fairly significant fanbase from viewers.
Past Midnightseems like it might be the next high-profile blockbuster from the streaming service, and it’ll be interesting to see how this comes together. Famuyiwa most recently helmed the pilot for the Showtime seriesThe Chiandjust signed onto direct the previousDavid FincherprojectThe Black Hole, based on the graphic novel of the same name. Whether that orPast Midnightcomes first is unclear, but if Reeves signs on expect this thing to move fairly quickly.
