Commercials director Carl Erik Rinsch – Or Frankenstein’s Monster to Ridley Scott’s Frankenstein – has been tapped to direct Keanu Reeves starrer “47 Ronin”.

Written by Chris Morgan (“Wanted”), the Universal actioner – said to be in the vein of “Gladiator” and “300”, with the fantastical elements of “Lord of the Rings” – tells the famous fact-based story of a band of samurai swordsmen who avenge the death of their master in 18th century Japan.

The script was tailored so that half-Asian Reeves could play one of the swordsman.

This will be Rinsch’s directorial debut – though he was attached to direct the “Alien” prequel before Ridley Scott decided (or Fox decided, one or the other) he’d rather take care of that one – so it’s a big gamble for Universal. Lots of coin leaving their corner for his.

There’s more at Variety