Cannes 2009: Keanu Battles Drug Dealers

Reeves signs up for narco-thriller Cartagena.

by | May 14, 2009 | Comments

Keanu Reeves has signed up to star in an action thriller about the drug trade entitled Cartagena, according to reports coming out of Cannes today.

Described by Screen Daily as a cross between The French Connection and Michael Clayton, the film will be set in Columbia and feature Reeves as an undercover agent who becomes embroiled in a conspiracy involving drug dealers and international agents.

When Cartagena was previously announced in December, Clive Owen was cast in the lead, so today’s news suggests he has left the project.

Rupert Wyatt, who directed prison drama The Escapist, will helm the $25m film, with production set to start in September.

The news comes hot-on-the heels of the announcement that Reeves will play Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde in a modern-day version of the classic tale, although that project is currently in the early stages of development.