‘Reacher’ star Alan Ritchson joins talks for Netflix’s stormy action thriller 'Maelstrom'

Reacher star Alan Ritchson is in negotiations to headline Netflix’s upcoming action thriller Maelstrom, a high-concept project that is being revived more than three decades after it was first developed.

According to Variety, the film will be directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, known for Netflix’s hit action thriller Carry-On.

Maelstrom follows a Federal Marshal assigned to protect the fiancée of an arms dealer who enters witness protection. The story unfolds during a dangerous night as a powerful hurricane cuts off communication and prevents outside help from arriving. Trapped together, the marshal and his protected witness must fight against the arms dealer’s forces while also surviving the extreme conditions caused by the storm.

The project was originally sold to Warner Bros. in 1993 by producer Jeff Robinov, who was then working as an agent. Screenwriter Mark Bianculli has been brought in to update the original script, written by the late Gregory Fitzpatrick, with modern characters and themes.

Robinov will produce Maelstrom as part of his Netflix deal alongside Tabitha Shick and Talking Pictures. The producer previously helped develop major Warner Bros. franchises, including The Dark Knight trilogy and The Hangover films.

Netflix reportedly revived the project following the success of Collet-Serra’s Carry-On, which became one of the streamer’s most-watched original films. The platform has been exploring previously developed projects with strong concepts and major commercial potential.

Ritchson’s popularity has grown significantly following his role as Jack Reacher in Prime Video’s Reacher. His action credentials have made him a leading choice for major action projects.

Netflix has not officially commented on the casting discussions, and representatives for Ritchson and Collet-Serra have also not provided statements.