Keanu Reevesis in talks to star inRally Carfor Fundamental Films, which is being described asThe Cannonball Run, set in China.Deadlinereports that the actor will play an American race car driver, but no furtherplot detailswere released at this time. The project will be a Chinese co-production, which puts it in the advantageous position of securing a theatrical release in China, one of the world’s largest markets.
Jeremy Lottwrote the screenplay, with Stephen Hamel producing for Company Films, the production company he runs withKeanu Reeves. This project will be sold to domestic and international buyers alike during the American Film Market, which takes place later this fall in Los Angeles. The project doesn’t have a director attached at this time, but that could all change with a star likeKeanu Reevesattached.
The Cannonball Rundebuted in 1981, starringBurt Reynolds,Roger Moore, Farrah Fawcett, Dom DeLuise, Dean Martin andSammy Davis Jr.The plot followed the participants of a cross-country road race as they do anything it takes to win. Given theRally Cartitle, it seems likely that this will be a rally race, perhaps one that goes off road. Where exactly this Chinese race will happen remains to be seen.
Keanu Reevesis coming off of the surprise hitJohn Wick, Lionsgate’saction-thrillerthat hittheaterslast year. The studio is currently developing a sequel, although it isn’t known when production may begin. The actor will next be seen in directorEli Roth’s new thrillerKnock, Knock, arriving in theaters October 9. He is also starring inThe Neon DemonandThe Panopticon, along with the long-awaitedBill & Ted 3, which hasn’t startedproductionyet.
Since the Chinese government limits the amount of foreign (non-Chinese) films that is released in the country every year, several American movies have opted to become Chinese co-productions, to ensure a release in the country.Iron Man 3became a Chinese co-production, with several scenes shot in the country, and Legendary Pictures recently launched their Legendary East company, which is producing the Chinese-set dramaThe Great Wall. Are you looking forward to seeingKeanu Reevesracing in China?
