What’s Keanu Reeves up to in his post-“John Wick” period? Well, he’s not quite done with the character yet; he’ll reprise it briefly in the upcoming spin-off “Ballerina,” in theaters next summer. But Variety reports the actor is in talks to star in a project that’s sure to be an eyebrow-raiser: Ruben Östlund‘s follow-up to his second Palme d’Or winner “Triangle Of Sadness.”
Östlund has been teasing “The Entertainment System Is Down” for a while now, but it sounds like he’s finally gearing up to film it. It’s another social satire for the Swedish auteur, about a long-haul flight where the entertainment system stops working, leading passengers to fly into rages. So, yeah, there’s shades of “Triangle Of Sadness” in there (especially that film’s cruise-from-hell centerpiece). It’s unclear who Reeves would play if he signs onto Östlund’s latest, but it’d be a far cry from the two other upcoming film’s the actor is attached to: Aziz Ansari‘s feature directing debut “Good Fortune” and Jonah Hill‘s comedy “Outcome.” Neither of those comedies will match the smirking tone of Östlund’s trademark black humor.
Östlund recently finished the script for “The Entertainment System Is Down,” so expect the two-time Palme d’Or winner to start shooting it soon. The Swede gave an update on the film earlier this year. “It’s been a great challenge to write the script because you’re very limited when it comes to creating dynamic, nuance, and energy in one closed environment like that,” said about the movie’s claustrophobic setting. “So, it took a long time, but I think I’ve managed to do something dynamic, even if it takes place in one place.” But will there be an audience for a movie that Östlund claims is all about “analogue boredom”? The director thinks so, and anticipates he’ll debut it at the Cannes Film Festival, even if the film inspires walkouts. “I think it’s going to be more provocative than any violent, and disturbing content,” continued Östlund. “Because to be left alone with your thoughts and challenging the audience to do the same thing, then it’s going to be very interesting.”
So who will join Reeves is he decides to do “The Entertainment System Is Down”? Given, Östlund’s fame right now, expect an ensemble cast with several international stars similar to “Triangle Of Sadness.” Östlund produces the upcoming film with Erik Hemmendorf through Plattform Produktion. Philippe Bober also produces through his Coproduction Office, and will handle the movie’s international sales.
So is Reeves and Östlund a match made in heaven? “The Entertainment System Is Down” sounds like it’ll be a divisive movie, but it’s exciting to see Reeve potentially spread his wings in a challenging project. Expect more news about this film as it approaches production.