Reeves to Play Sinbad

Originally Published: March 9, 2005

Keanu Reeves is in talks to star in Columbia Pictures’ long-in-development Sinbad movie, titled The 8th Voyage of Sinbad. Rob Cohen (The Fast and the Furious) is in negotiations to direct the film.

The film has been in the works for several years, with John Singleton most recently attached to direct.
Singleton had planned on doing a series of films on the legendary hero.

The story follows the continuing adventures of Sinbad and his crew, who are marooned off the coast of China in the 8th century. Once ashore, they embark on a quest for the Lamp of Aladdin, Along the way, they meet a beautiful empress and battle fantastical creatures as well as a rebellious Chinese general who threatens the kingdom with his supernatural powers.

Many a hollywood writer have been on the case, including Tedi Sarafian, who received a story credit on Terminator 3, and Cormac and Marianne Wibberley (Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle). Charlie Mitchell is expected expected to take a shot at the script next.

Columbia Pictures has produced and released a number of Sinbad adventures over the years, including 1958’s The 7th Voyage of Sinbad, with visual effects by the famous Ray Harryhausen.

Cohen is currently working with Sony Pictures on the upcoming Stealth, starring Josh Lucas, Jessica Biel and Jamie Foxx, which will be released July 29. His other recent credits include XXX and The Skulls. He also helmed the 1998 telefilm The Rat Pack.

Keanu Reeves is currently onscreen in Constantine and next stars in the comic drama Thumbsucker and the groundbreaking animation/ live action A Scanner Darkly.