Justin Lin to Direct Keanu Reeves’ “BRZRKR” Netflix Series

Justin Lin, the acclaimed director behind the Fast & Furious franchise, has been brought in by Netflix to direct BRZRKR, a Keanu Reeves-created comic. Besides starring, Reeves will also be a producer. The project offers Lin a chance to reunite with Reeves, with whom he worked on the Sundance-garnered indie Last Days.

– Filmmaker Justin Lin, known for his work on the Fast & Furious franchise, will be directing the Netflix adaptation of BRZRKR, a comic created by Keanu Reeves.
– The BRZRKR story involves an immortal warrior’s violent journey through time, searching for his purpose and a way to end his existence.
– This directorial assignment reunites Lin with Reeves, who has previously invested in Lin’s indie projects, including the drama Last Days that premiered at Sundance Film Festival in January.

Justin Lin, known for his directorial effort in advancing the Fast & Furious series, has been appointed to direct BRZRKR, a comic created by Keanu Reeves and now being translated to screen by Netflix. Additionally, Lin is set to produce via his Perfect Storm banner.

Reeves is not only the brain behind the idea but will also star in the action-packed project. He shares producer credits with Stephen Christy from Boom! Studios, Stephen Hamel of Company Films, and Ross Richie.

The assignment brings Lin and Reeves together again after last working on the indie film Last Days, funded significantly by Reeves. The drama debuted at the Sundance Film Festival in January.

For BRZRKR, the screenplay is written by Mattson Tomlin, who contributed to The Batman 2. The narrative, as shared by Netflix and Boom!, revolves around a part-mortal and part-god immortal warrior known simply as ‘B,’ who’s been in continuous battle for 80,000 years. His violent existence possibly finds a haven as he fights dangerous wars for the U.S. government in exchange for unveiling the truth of his endless, violent life and potentially ending it.

The comic was created collaboratively by Reeves, artist Ron Garney, and the award-nominated author Matt Kindt. The first issue was a great success, selling more than 600,000 copies. The collection, including all editions and specials, has a global sales figure exceeding 3.5 million.

The 2024 BRZRKR novel, The Book of Elsewhere, co-authored by Reeves and China Miéville, is a New York Times best seller. The novel, released by Del Rey, an imprint of Penguin Random House who also owns Boom!, will soon see an anime adaptation penned by Tomlin. Further plans include merchandise from brand developer IMG.

Adam Yoelin is set to be the executive producer for Boom!

Starting with independent dramas, Lin rose to fame directing five films from the Fast & Furious franchise as well as Star Trek Beyond and episodes of True Detective among others. He recently made a return to independent cinema with Last Days, a story about a missionary killed by an island tribe.

During the production of Last Days, Lin faced financial troubles until Reeves offered to help. Lin described Reeves as an “angel” for the project in an interview with Collider.

Apart from BRZRKR, Lin is also slated to direct a heist thriller, Two For the Money, which will star Charlize Theron and Daniel Craig. The film is currently being developed with Apple. He is represented by CAA and Sloane Offer along with his company, Perfect Storm.