Reacher remains one of the most unapologetically entertaining things on television, and long may it continue. Outside of this famous role, lead star Alan Ritchson seems to be carving out a decent niche for himself in an almost Statham-like area, but for him, it is on Netflix. Mid-budget spec-script action thrillers seemingly laser-focused on their audience segment. Can his latest potential project, Maelstrom, be another War Machine?
Ritchson is in negotiations to join this new film from director Jaume Collet-Serra (Carry On, The Shallows). The project has been around for a while. A very long while. Many years ago, it first surfaced as a high-concept script from late writer Gregory Fitzpatrick and producer Jeff Robinov. That was all the way back in 1993. We are talking pre-The Rock and pre-Mission: Impossible. Practically the stone age.
Robinov remains attached, marshalling it for many years. He produces alongside Tabitha Shick, while How to Rob a Bank writer Mark Bianculli is doing a script refresh to bring it up to date.
Maelstrom follows a Federal Marshal guarding an arms dealer’s fiancée who is seeking witness protection in exchange for evidence. Over the course of one evening, a hurricane rolls in and blocks both outside communication and reinforcements. Because of course it does.
Together, the two must fight to survive the onslaught of men working for the arms dealer, as well as the escalating elements of the natural disaster raging outside.
So a windy Assault On Precinct 13?
Variety reports that negotiations are advanced, but no potential release date is set.
