Netflix is moving forward with the action thriller Maelstrom, with Reacher star Alan Ritchson in negotiations to lead the project and Carry-On director Jaume Collet-Serra attached to helm. The film, which centers on a Federal Marshal protecting a witness during a hurricane, marks the first big offering under a new deal for producer Jeff Robinov, according to reports from Variety.
The Production Path of “Maelstrom”
The development of Maelstrom mirrors a strategy Netflix has successfully employed to revitalize dormant scripts. Originally sold as a spec script to Warner Bros. in 1993 by Jeff Robinov, the project sat on the shelf for over three decades. The streamer’s interest was reignited following the performance of Carry-On, a Jason Bateman title that spent 11 years dormant before Netflix executive Ori Marmur and director Jaume Collet-Serra brought it to the screen, where it became the third most viewed film of all time at the streamer.
Following that success, Netflix’s development team, led by Ori Marmur and Kira Cousineau, solicited high-concept, unproduced projects from top producers. This initiative brought Maelstrom back into active development. Screenwriter Mark Bianculli, known for How to Rob a Bank, has been tasked with updating the original draft by the late Gregory Fitzpatrick to modernize the characters.
Did you know?
Jeff Robinov, the producer behind Maelstrom, previously served as the president of Warner Bros. Pictures, where he shepherded major franchises including The Dark Knight trilogy and The Hangover films.
Plot and Character Dynamics
The narrative follows a Federal Marshal assigned to protect the fiancée of an arms dealer seeking witness protection. The tension is contained within a single evening as a hurricane hits the area, effectively isolating the characters. The plot creates a dual-threat scenario: the protagonists must evade the arms dealer’s men while simultaneously surviving the escalating natural disaster, which cuts off communication and prevents backup from reaching them.
The Rise of Alan Ritchson
Alan Ritchson has seen his profile explode following the success of the Prime Video series Reacher. In that show, Ritchson portrays a retired military police officer. As of the latest reports, representatives for Ritchson, Collet-Serra, and Netflix have not provided official comments regarding the deal.
Pro Tip:
When analyzing streaming trends, look for the “dormant script” pipeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is directing Maelstrom?
Jaume Collet-Serra is set to direct. He is known for his work on the Netflix original film Carry-On.
What is the premise of the film?
The story follows a Federal Marshal protecting a witness during a hurricane. The characters are trapped by both the weather and the pursuers of the witness.
Who is producing the film?
Jeff Robinov is producing the project through Talking Pictures, alongside Tabitha Shick. This is the first big offering under Robinov’s deal with Netflix.
Is the script original?
The project is based on a 1993 spec script originally written by the late Gregory Fitzpatrick. Mark Bianculli is currently refreshing the script to modernize the characters.
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