The devil was in the detail when it came to 1987’s superb The Untouchables – and that included the suite where Robert De Niro’s Al Capone lived.
With a price tag of $25m in an era when that felt like a reasonable amount of money for a major Hollywood studio to spend, Paramount Pictures’ 1987 hit The Untouchables was really something of a gamble.
>Granted, it was a gamble mitigated by the presence of some star wattage. Still, Robert De Niro in the role of Al Capone was a man more known for attracting strong critical notices than packing the house out. Sean Connery meanwhile was far from at the height of his commercial pulling powers.
Throw in the fact that director Brian De Palma was desperately needing a hit after a run of box office disappointments and that the picture’s star – Kevin Costner – was pretty much an unknown at this stage,...
With a price tag of $25m in an era when that felt like a reasonable amount of money for a major Hollywood studio to spend, Paramount Pictures’ 1987 hit The Untouchables was really something of a gamble.
>Granted, it was a gamble mitigated by the presence of some star wattage. Still, Robert De Niro in the role of Al Capone was a man more known for attracting strong critical notices than packing the house out. Sean Connery meanwhile was far from at the height of his commercial pulling powers.
Throw in the fact that director Brian De Palma was desperately needing a hit after a run of box office disappointments and that the picture’s star – Kevin Costner – was pretty much an unknown at this stage,...
- 5/22/2024
- by Simon Brew
- Film Stories
Exclusive: Lisa Hamilton Daly, who was most recently Director, Original Series at Netflix, has joined Bedrock Entertainment, the production company set up by Tony To Dan Sackheim after leaving the streamer.
Hamilton Daly, who oversaw development and production of series including Virgin River and Sweet Magnolias at Netflix, joins the company as EVP, Creative Affairs. She left the streamer in October 2020.
Band of Brothers producer To and True Detective director and exec producer Sackheim teamed up with ITV Studios America to launch the venture last year.
It is currently developing projects including an adaptation of Barry Eisler’s book series, starting with A Clean Kill in Tokyo, centered around Japanese-American assassin John Rain with Stuart Beattie (Collateral) and is also working with writers and executive producers such as Julia Ruchman (The Walking Dead), Paul Tamasy and Eric Johnson (The Outpost), and David Arata (Spy Game).
Prior to joining Netflix, where...
Hamilton Daly, who oversaw development and production of series including Virgin River and Sweet Magnolias at Netflix, joins the company as EVP, Creative Affairs. She left the streamer in October 2020.
Band of Brothers producer To and True Detective director and exec producer Sackheim teamed up with ITV Studios America to launch the venture last year.
It is currently developing projects including an adaptation of Barry Eisler’s book series, starting with A Clean Kill in Tokyo, centered around Japanese-American assassin John Rain with Stuart Beattie (Collateral) and is also working with writers and executive producers such as Julia Ruchman (The Walking Dead), Paul Tamasy and Eric Johnson (The Outpost), and David Arata (Spy Game).
Prior to joining Netflix, where...
- 2/16/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Good news for fans of the 2014 film John Wick, which featured Keanu Reeves as a “retired” hitman out for revenge. Thunder Road pictures just announced that the sequel (working title of John Wick 2) will begin filming later this year. Lionsgate/Summit Entertainment will handle worldwide distribution.
Reeves is scheduled to make a return as the titular character although no other casting announcements are available at this time. David Leitch and Chad Stahelski are also scheduled to return as co-directors of the film. Derek Kolstad has once again asked to pen the screenplay.
The original film was made for a mere $20 million, a modest budget for a Hollywood action picture, and made over $78 million worldwide. That return on investment plus strong results in video and on-demand sales helped make the decision for a sequel to be an easy one.
For Reeves, this won’t mark his first or last entry...
Reeves is scheduled to make a return as the titular character although no other casting announcements are available at this time. David Leitch and Chad Stahelski are also scheduled to return as co-directors of the film. Derek Kolstad has once again asked to pen the screenplay.
The original film was made for a mere $20 million, a modest budget for a Hollywood action picture, and made over $78 million worldwide. That return on investment plus strong results in video and on-demand sales helped make the decision for a sequel to be an easy one.
For Reeves, this won’t mark his first or last entry...
- 9/28/2015
- by Jeff Bricker
- AreYouScreening.com
Chris Collins and Marc Abrams will be the showrunners on “Rain,” an upcoming TV series starring and executive produced by Keanu Reeves and Slingshot Global Media. “When we were approached about working on this show, we immediately wanted to take part in the project with Keanu and get a chance to be part of such a unique undertaking,” Collins and Abrams said in a statement. “We can't wait to start collaborating with the entire team and introduce this character to an even wider audience.” Also read: Keanu Reeves to Produce and Star in ‘Rain’ TV Show Reeves will star as John Rain,...
- 10/3/2014
- by Jethro Nededog
- The Wrap
Keanu Reeves and Roland Emmerich will team-up for the futuristic series New Angeles…
Keanu Reeves has been all over the TV news world recently. As well as the news that his film The Devil’s Advocate is getting a telly remake, we also recently learnt that Reeves will be starring in a TV adaptation of the John Rain novels.
Now, he’s added another TV series to his slate – New Angeles - which he will executive produce alongside Roland Emmerich. The science-fiction-tinged show will be based around concepts of virtual reality, but it's unclear if Reeves will star.
The plot will focus on a bid to escape ‘the mundane reality of his life,’ centred on a young male protagonist who will flee into ‘an exciting virtual reality world’ - the eponymous New Angeles. Destiny, mystery and long-sought answers await down the rabbit hole, we’re told. Despite some clickbait titles going around,...
Keanu Reeves has been all over the TV news world recently. As well as the news that his film The Devil’s Advocate is getting a telly remake, we also recently learnt that Reeves will be starring in a TV adaptation of the John Rain novels.
Now, he’s added another TV series to his slate – New Angeles - which he will executive produce alongside Roland Emmerich. The science-fiction-tinged show will be based around concepts of virtual reality, but it's unclear if Reeves will star.
The plot will focus on a bid to escape ‘the mundane reality of his life,’ centred on a young male protagonist who will flee into ‘an exciting virtual reality world’ - the eponymous New Angeles. Destiny, mystery and long-sought answers await down the rabbit hole, we’re told. Despite some clickbait titles going around,...
- 9/10/2014
- by rleane
- Den of Geek
The lines between film and TV have long since blurred, with the biggest names in film merrily heading off to TV in search of premium storytelling. Now Keanu Reeves is making his way to the gogglebox, as he’s attached to produce and star in a new series called Rain.Reeves will be the focus of the show, playing John Rain, a half-Japanese, half-American contract killer whose speciality is making it look like his victims died of natural causes. But while he harbours dreams of living a more normal life – or indeed simply connecting with someone – his regular gig makes it impossible and he remains an outsider.The show will be drawn from Barry Eisler’s series of novels, which includes the books A Clean Kill In Tokyo, A Lonely Resurrection, Winner Take All, Redemption Games, Extremis, The Killer Ascendant, The Detachment, and Graveyard Of Memories. So don’t go...
- 8/19/2014
- EmpireOnline
Keanu Reeve's is taking his talents to TV and developing a new action series called Rain. The series is based on a book series by Barry Eisler, and Reeves is set to star in and produce it.
The story centers on John Rain (Reeves), "a half-Japanese, half-American contract assassin who specializes in taking out his targets by making it look like death by natural causes. An outsider in whatever world he’s in, Rain ironically finds that the one identity he knows – that of being a hitman – is the very thing that prevents him from bringing others closer into his life."
The series is being set up by Slingshot productions and producer David Ellender. Ellender had this to say in a statement,
"We are extremely excited to be working on a beloved property with such a talented and hard-working actor as Keanu. This series will be the launch pad for...
The story centers on John Rain (Reeves), "a half-Japanese, half-American contract assassin who specializes in taking out his targets by making it look like death by natural causes. An outsider in whatever world he’s in, Rain ironically finds that the one identity he knows – that of being a hitman – is the very thing that prevents him from bringing others closer into his life."
The series is being set up by Slingshot productions and producer David Ellender. Ellender had this to say in a statement,
"We are extremely excited to be working on a beloved property with such a talented and hard-working actor as Keanu. This series will be the launch pad for...
- 8/19/2014
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
Todd Phillips and Bradley Cooper continue to bro out in a big way. The two are producing the director's next film, "Arms & The Dudes," recently picked up the rights to Evan Ratliff's The Atavist article "A Thousand Pounds Of Dynamite," and today have announced they'll bring to life Don Pendelton's paperback action star Mack Bolan. Phillips will direct and Cooper will star. Shane Salerno ("Savages," "Avatar 4") is writing the script about the elite commando dude, but production will only start once his work on James Cameron's series is done. And oh yeah, this will be a PG-13 effort all the way. [Deadline] Keanu Reeves will star in the TV series "Rain," based on the work of writer Barry Eisler. Reeves takes the lead role of "John Rain, a half-Japanese, half-American contract assassin who struggles to find an identity beyond being a killer" in addition to producing the show....
- 8/19/2014
- by Kevin Jagernauth
- The Playlist
Assassin novel adaptation Rain will see Keanu Reeves on both sides of the camera.
Making a bit of a career shift, former Neo actor Keanu Reeves is now executive-producing his own action TV series Rain for Slingshot Global Media.
Described as a ‘globe-trotting action drama,’ Rain is an adaptation on the best-selling book series by Barry Eisler of the same name. A 2009 feature film based on the same material, Rain Fall, has already been produced, but didn't make much of a - ready for it? - splash. Ahem.
Reeves will play the eponymous anti-hero John Rain, who in the books is a half-Japanese, half-American former-soldier-turned-assassin.
Rain is a freelance killer-for-hire, who lives by the rules that he’ll kill anyone, as long as they fit these rules: 'No women or children', 'no secondary team working separately on Rain's project' and 'Principal actors only' (as in: no hits on family members...
Making a bit of a career shift, former Neo actor Keanu Reeves is now executive-producing his own action TV series Rain for Slingshot Global Media.
Described as a ‘globe-trotting action drama,’ Rain is an adaptation on the best-selling book series by Barry Eisler of the same name. A 2009 feature film based on the same material, Rain Fall, has already been produced, but didn't make much of a - ready for it? - splash. Ahem.
Reeves will play the eponymous anti-hero John Rain, who in the books is a half-Japanese, half-American former-soldier-turned-assassin.
Rain is a freelance killer-for-hire, who lives by the rules that he’ll kill anyone, as long as they fit these rules: 'No women or children', 'no secondary team working separately on Rain's project' and 'Principal actors only' (as in: no hits on family members...
- 8/19/2014
- by rleane
- Den of Geek
Keanu Reeves is getting a TV show. He’s producing and starring in the hour-long series Rain, based on the novel series by Barry Eisler. The show is described as a “globe-trotting action drama,” which is also being produced by his John Wick directors Chad Stahelski and David Leitch. Deadline reports that the show follows John Rain (Reeves), a a half-Japanese, […]
The post Keanu Reeves Starring in ‘Rain’ TV Series appeared first on /Film.
The post Keanu Reeves Starring in ‘Rain’ TV Series appeared first on /Film.
- 8/18/2014
- by Russ Fischer
- Slash Film
Keanu Reeves is the latest movie star to set his sights on the small screen. The "47 Ronin" star is taking on his first major TV role with an adaptation of Barry Eisler's bestselling "Rain" book series, distributor and executive-producer Slingshot Global Media announced today. Reeves will produce and star in the project, a "globetrotting action drama" series centering on John Rain, a half-Japanese, half-American assassin who specializes in executing hits that make death look accidental. Unsurprisingly, Rain's chosen profession also serves as a barrier to forming close personal connections - a tension that will undoubtedly serve as a thematic crux of the new series. “As a huge fan of Barry’s work, I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to bring his iconic character and incredible world to life,” said Reeves in a statement. “I’m looking forward to partnering with Slingshot on my first series, and reteaming with [producers] Chad...
- 8/18/2014
- by Chris Eggertsen
- Hitfix
Keanu Reeves is delving into his first major acting and producing gig on a TV series. The actor is slated to both star in and executive produce "Rain,"a globe-trotting action drama series based on the best-selling book series by Barry Eisler.
Slingshot Global Media is producing the series which is expected to be taken out to buyers shortly, and a search is under way for a writer to pen the script.
Reeves would play John Rain, a half-Japanese, half-American contract assassin who specializes in taking out his targets by making it look like death by natural causes.
Rain ironically finds that the one identity he knows, that of being a hitman, is the very thing that prevents him from bringing others closer into his life.
Eisler, Chad Stahelski and David Leitch will also executive produce. The latter pair worked with Reeves on the upcoming "John Wick".
Source: Deadline...
Slingshot Global Media is producing the series which is expected to be taken out to buyers shortly, and a search is under way for a writer to pen the script.
Reeves would play John Rain, a half-Japanese, half-American contract assassin who specializes in taking out his targets by making it look like death by natural causes.
Rain ironically finds that the one identity he knows, that of being a hitman, is the very thing that prevents him from bringing others closer into his life.
Eisler, Chad Stahelski and David Leitch will also executive produce. The latter pair worked with Reeves on the upcoming "John Wick".
Source: Deadline...
- 8/18/2014
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
I guess you could say Keanu Reeves is coming out of the rain and into, er, the rain? (Or something like that.) John Rain, that is. The former “Matrix” star, who recently has been mired in some really bad outings (did anyone actually see “47 Ronin” and liked it?), as well as the moderately budgeted martial arts film “Man of Tai Chi,” which he also directed, is giving TV a shot. Slingshot Global Media have announced that Reeves has signed on to star and executive produce a TV drama called “Rain,” which will be based on the series of bestselling action novels by Barry Eisler about John Rain, “a half-Japanese, half-American contract assassin who specializes in taking out his targets by making it look like death by natural causes. An outsider in whatever world he’s in, Rain ironically finds that the one identity he knows – that of being a hitman...
- 8/18/2014
- by Nix
- Beyond Hollywood
Deadline is reporting that Keanu Reeves will be executive producing and starring in a TV adaptation of author Barry Eisler's best-selling "Rain" series, which centers around John Rain, a hit man whose specialty is making his victims look like they died of natural causes. Reeves will be working with fellow executive producers and stuntmen turned directors Chad Stahelski and David Leitch, who recently directed him in the upcoming John Wick, which is a movie also about a hit man. I guess everyone's properly prepped!
- 8/18/2014
- by Lindsey Weber
- Vulture
More and more movie stars are making their way to the small screen and now Keanu Reeves has joined that growing number. Slingshot Global Media announced today that Reeves is attached to star in and executive produce Rain, an adaptation of the John Rain book series by Barry Eisler. The series is described as “a globe-trotting action drama” that revolves around a half-Japanese, half-American assassin who specializes in making his marks look like they died from natural...
- 8/18/2014
- by Graham McMorrow
- JoBlo.com
Actor Keanu Reeves is leaping from the silver screen to the small screen as the titular character on "Rain," a new TV series based on the bestselling books by author Barry Eisler.
The action-packed drama will star Reeves as John Rain, described by Deadline as a "half-Japanese, half-American contract assassin who specializes in taking out his targets by making it look like death by natural causes. An outsider in whatever world he's in, Rain ironically finds that the one identity he knows - that of being a hitman - is the very thing that prevents him from bringing others closer into his life."
In addition to starring, Reeves will executive produce the series, which marks his television debut. Eisler will also serve as an executive producer.
"As a huge fan of Barry's work, I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to bring his iconic character and incredible world to life," Reeves said in a statement.
The action-packed drama will star Reeves as John Rain, described by Deadline as a "half-Japanese, half-American contract assassin who specializes in taking out his targets by making it look like death by natural causes. An outsider in whatever world he's in, Rain ironically finds that the one identity he knows - that of being a hitman - is the very thing that prevents him from bringing others closer into his life."
In addition to starring, Reeves will executive produce the series, which marks his television debut. Eisler will also serve as an executive producer.
"As a huge fan of Barry's work, I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to bring his iconic character and incredible world to life," Reeves said in a statement.
- 8/18/2014
- by Katie Roberts
- Moviefone
Ex-special forces operator and freelance assassin John Rain (Kippei Shiina) is on the wanted list of William Holtzer (Gary Oldman), the head of the CIA's office in Tokyo. He's determined to get hold of a memory stick full of valuable information that he believes Rain is in possession of. To make matters worse, the Yakuza would also like to get their hands on the stick and have sent their own men after Rain.
- 4/3/2013
- Sky Movies
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