SDCC 2022 – BRZRKR: Keanu Reeves builds a universe on Netflix

After seeing Keanu Reeves present the trailer for his John Wick 4 at San Diego Comic Con this weekend, the unstoppable Neo from Matrix evokes the universe under construction around his series of comics that he co-created, BRZRKR…

We already knew that he was working with Netflix to make a film centered on his cartoon character, immortal warrior of his state. At Comic Con, he went a step further and conjured up surprises about how the universe BRZRKR stretches even further.

Keanu co-created the comics with writer Matt Kindt and artist Ron Garney, and tells of an immortal warrior who has lived for thousands of years. The comic is nine issues in and became one of the most successful original comic book launches in history. As soon as the comic book went on sale, a movie starring Reeves as the hero soon landed on Netflix.

For Reeves, seeing this world grow so quickly has been a real tour de force, especially considering it all started with a simple idea: “I came up with the idea of ​​having a character that hits people the hard way. chest and rip their arms off. No, it’s not John Wick. It’s something else. The idea of ​​a person cursed by violence, the way they have become, the reconquest of their humanity. I hope he’s a character to be encouraged.”

The film is still in the early stages of development, although screenwriter Mattson Tomlin has teased that it draws inspiration from Reeves’ past roles, as well as high-concept films like The Fountain (by Darren Aronofsky with Hugh Jackman) and tree of life (by Terrence Malick with Brad Pitt and Sean Penn).

“It’s just about being able to do the same kind of things as comics, using time and perspective,” Tomlin said. “Culture changes but there is this ever-present force.”

In addition to the film, BOOM, the publishing house that publishes the comic, has also confirmed that the character will be released in anime with two seasons already in preparation at Netflix. To do so, the studio has also teamed up with Production IG, one of the most iconic anime studios in the world, known for landmark series like Ghost in the Shell and Psycho Pass.

“When I worked with the Wachowskis on Matrixthey told me that I had to look at: Akira, Ghost in the Shell. It’s almost the beginning of everything [pour moi]”, Reeves said. “In terms of impact as a storyteller and action, moral tales – the idea of ” U.S. against them “, or exceptionalism, or otherness. I find this world and the lessons, just seeing how the art form can encapsulate this Trojan Horse, has a scale and projection that you can’t find anywhere else. That’s how anime really influenced me as a storyteller.”

BOOM development president Stephen Christy said they think the character and concept are versatile enough to transition between mediums, given that there are so many stars and stories to choose from. can be exploited when it is an immortal character present for 80,000 years.

“I don’t want to say we’re against continuity, but that’s not a word we use in the development of these different areas. It’s the character that counts,” he explained during the panel. .

In addition to the ongoing comics, movies, and anime series, BOOM has also confirmed a deal with Random House for an original novel set in the world of BRZRKR. They couldn’t reveal which author will team up with Reeves to write it, but Reeves noted that he was his first choice – and he’s excited to work with him to develop the story. Reeves even refrained from impersonating the author for fear of accidentally revealing it. The author should nevertheless soon be announced.

As for the comic that started it all, Reeves announced that they were planning to finish its story with all 12 issues in the coming months, with the last one slated for 2023.

“Things are going to get a little tougher. We’re excited about that,” Reeves said. “The series started with a double issue, and they gave us the opportunity to tell this story in the last issue with 48 pages as a double issue. We can’t wait to see where the story takes us.”