Reacher star Alan Ritchson is reportedly in talks to lead a high-octane action project from Netflix. The project has been waiting for 33 years and is now coming into the light with Ritchson in the lead role.
A popular Reacher star could lead Netflix’s action movie Maelstrom
According to Variety, Alan Ritchson is in negotiations to star in Netflix’s upcoming action thriller Maelstrom. The project was sold by Jeff Robinov to Warner Bros in 1993. However, it never moved forward and remained shelved for 33 years.
The film follows a Federal Marshal assigned to protect the fiancée of an arms dealer after she agrees to enter witness protection. Over the course of a single night, a powerful hurricane cuts off all communication and prevents backup from reaching them. As the storm grows stronger, the pair must survive relentless attacks from the arms dealer’s men while battling the deadly forces of nature outside.
Gregory Fitzpatrick wrote the original draft, and Mark Bianculli has now come aboard to modernize the script, while Jaume Collet-Serra is attached to direct. Netflix is reportedly banking on the same formula that worked for Carry On. It’s another shelved project that Collet-Serra brought back to life after 11 years under wraps.
Alan Ritchson is best known for his iconic performance in the action crime thriller TV show, Reacher. His performance, combined with investigative and combat skills, earned global praise from fans and critics. Ritchson’s other notable roles include Fast X, War Machine, Ordinary Angels, and The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.
Neither Netflix nor Ritchson has confirmed the reported deal yet. If everything goes well, Maelstrom will finally get the chance to hit the big screen after spending 33 years below deck. Ritchson recently wrapped The Man with the Bag. The film also features Arnold Schwarzenegger as Santa Claus and will be released on December 2, 2026.
