Deadline are reporting that Harald Zwart, who most recently took on The Karate Kid remake, is all set to direct Keanu Reeves in the upcoming U.S.-China collaboration Rally Car.
The story, according to the website, ‘centers on a hot-shot former champion NASCAR driver (Reeves) who doesn’t want to believe his glory days are behind him. When his professional and personal life begin to spiral out of control, he’s forced to take part in a high-stakes international rally race across the face of China, with a young Chinese girl as his co-driver, in order to prove he’s still the badass racer he thinks he is.’
The company behind the movie, Fundamental Films, are taking the project to the European Film Market in Berlin next week. The market runs alongside the Berlin Film Festival (Berlinale), which kicks off on February 11th.
Reeves wil co-produce the film.
Here’s the official release, which we’ve just received from the official sources.
SHANGHAI, FEBRUARY 3, 2016: Leading Chinese production and distribution outfit Fundamental Films and Company Films announced that Harald Zwart (The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones,The Karate Kid) will direct their upcoming action film, Rally Car, (working title) starring Keanu Reeves (John Wick, The Matrix Trilogy). Jeremy Lott (Spy Kids) has penned the script which is based on a treatment by Stephen Hamel. Reeves and Hamel will produce under their Company Films banner along with Fundamental Films Chairman Mark Gao and President Gregory Ouanhon, while EVP of Development, Gary Glushon, will Executive Produce. Fundamental Films is financing the project, with IM Global handling international sales and introducing the film to buyers at Berlin’s European Film Market next week. CAA is representing the U.S. rights.
Rally Car centers on a hot shot former champion NASCAR driver (Reeves), who doesn’t want to believe his glory days are behind him. When his professional and personal life begin to spiral out of control, he’s forced to take part in a high stakes international rally race across the face of China, with a young Chinese girl as his co-driver, in order to prove he’s still the badass racer he thinks he is.
Fundamental Films Chairman Mark Gao said of the project: “This is a story that will resonate with audiences worldwide and we’re looking forward to the thrilling ride Harald Zwart will be taking us on. The project promises to be action-packed, full of high-octane car-chases, heart-pumping adventure and visually stunning locations to showcase some of the most dramatic landscapes of China.”
Company Films’ Stephen Hamel added: “We are thrilled to continue our collaboration with Fundamental Films and this is such an incredible opportunity to shoot on location in China. Big stunts and fast cars jamming through some of the most amazing locations on earth. We couldn’t be more pleased that Harald has joined us to direct. He has a real passion for the project and vision for the action and the drama that is spot on. This is going to be a blast on the big screen.” Hamel is currently producing the Morten Tyldum-directed Passengersstarring Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt.
Rally Car is the second collaboration between Fundamental and Company Films, following Replicas, also starring Reeves and based on Hamel’s treatment.
Harald Zwart, Keanu Reeves and Company Films are represented by CAA, and Jeremy Lott is represented by CAA and Aperture Entertainment.
Fundamental Films continues to grow beyond distribution in the Chinese market, steadily becoming an international player in film financing, funding and the co-production of international projects. The company is currently working on a number of local and international productions, including Luc Besson’s big-budget graphic-novel Valerian, where Fundamental is the main financier, and Matthias Hoene’s Warrior’s Gate, amongst others.
