Harald Zwart To Direct China-Set Race Thriller, RALLY CAR With Keanu Reeves Starring

Actor Keanu Reeves is long anticipated to re-emerge once more as formerly recovering hitman in John Wick 2  later this year. For now though, his other endeavors will see him racing through China in the new Chinese co-production, Rally Car, as of September, and word now has it that The Karate Kid and The Mortal Instruments: City Of Bones helmer Harald Zwart will direct.

Reeves will play a nostalgic hot shot former NASCAR driver whose personal and professional become flailing, and he’s soon forced to redeem himself in a high-stakes international race through China with a young Chinese woman as his co-driver. Reeves is producing via his Company Films banner with Stephen Hamel whose script treatment was handled by scribe Jeremy Lott, while Fundemental Films, who are currently making headway in lending co-production status to various imported titles through bypassing China’s quota system in order for more revenue to split, is financing the film with chairman Mark Gao and president Gregory Ouanhon producing.

per Deadline:

“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,” said Fundamental chairman Mark Gao. “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.” 

“We are thrilled to continue our collaboration with Fundamental Films and this is such an incredible opportunity to shoot on location in China,” said Hamel, who is currently producing the Morten Tyldum-directed Passengers starring Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt. “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.”

EVP of development, Gary Glushon, will serve as executive producer while IM Global will represent the film internationally at the European Film Market in Berlin when it kicks off on February 11.