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Thursday, September 20, 2012

47 Ronin Woes

Universal Pictures has taken over the editing of the Keanu Reeves-led 47 Ronin" out of the hands of Carl Rinsch (The Gift) says The Wrap.

The true story centers on a group of 18th century samurai who set out to avenge the death of their master and sacrifice everything to make sure of its success.

The move is reportedly in response to the project's budget zooming past the $225 million mark, though the studio is still claiming the pre-reshoots figure of $175 million.  Studio co-chairwoman Donna Langley is said to be overseeing the editing of the movie.


Additional filming on the project wrapped in London just over a week ago, the extra shooting done to better incorporate Reeves into the film's climactic scenes. In Rinsch's cut Keanu was not even present in the final battle, now he's there and takes on a supernatural creature. Other additions, from close-ups and extra dialogue to a love scene, are all designed to boost Reeves' presence.

That said--with marketing and promotion Universal will essentially need to take in half a billion worldwide just to break even on a film that even its greatest supporters admit was a disastrous production.

The intervention by the studio puts them in a better position to control costs. With the visual-effects being tightened to only the necessary shots and with extra time for post, the film will be completed.

Japanese actors - Hiroyuki Sanada Tadanobu Asano Rinko Kikuchi and Kô Shibasaki co-star.

The tone of the script by Chris Morgan and Hossein Amini is said to mix fantasy elements for a Gladiator meets 300 style feel.

Scott Stuber ("The Kingdom"), Pamela Abdy and Eric McLeod are producing the pic

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