Netflix has locked in one of the most anticipated action adaptations on the horizon: BRZRKR, the live-action feature film based on the hit comic series co-created by Keanu Reeves. This project marks a deeply personal endeavor for Reeves, who not only stars as the central immortal warrior known simply as “B” but also serves as a producer. Announced years ago and now progressing steadily through pre-production, the film promises a visceral, emotionally charged saga of violence, identity, and existential longing, with a hard R-rating that embraces the comic’s unfiltered brutality.

The comic BRZRKR, launched by BOOM! Studios in 2021, originated from an idea Reeves had nurtured for years. Co-written with New York Times bestselling author Matt Kindt and illustrated by Ron Garney, the 12-issue limited series became an instant phenomenon—issue #1 sold over 615,000 copies, marking one of the highest-selling comic debuts in decades. The story follows B, a half-mortal, half-god being cursed with immortality and an insatiable compulsion toward violence. Over 80,000 years, he has fought across civilizations, leaving trails of blood and chaos. In the modern era, B finds a fragile purpose working as a black-ops asset for the U.S. government, undertaking missions too dangerous and morally gray for ordinary operatives. In exchange, he seeks the one thing that eludes him: the truth about his endless existence and a way to finally end it.

Keanu Reeves wants to play his BRZRKR comic character on screen someday

The live-action adaptation stays faithful to this core premise while expanding the world Reeves envisioned. Justin Lin, the director behind multiple Fast & Furious entries and known for high-octane set pieces, helms the project. Lin’s experience with large-scale action, character-driven stakes, and franchise-building makes him an ideal fit to translate the comic’s relentless combat and emotional depth to the big screen. Mattson Tomlin, the screenwriter of The Batman Part II and Terminator Zero, penned the script, bringing sharp dialogue and layered storytelling to balance the gore with introspective moments. Tomlin has described the collaboration as a “blast,” highlighting time spent refining the vision alongside Reeves and the creative team.

Reeves’ involvement runs deep. As star and producer (alongside Ross Richie and Stephen Christy for BOOM! Studios, Stephen Hamel for Company Films, and Adam Yoelin), he shapes the tone to match the comic’s raw intensity. The film will be hard R-rated—uncompromising in its depiction of brutal fights, gore, and psychological toll. Expect visceral hand-to-hand combat, high-stakes government ops, and sequences that capture B’s berserker rage, where his immortality allows him to endure and inflict unimaginable damage. Yet the heart lies in B’s quiet torment: the loneliness of endless life, the search for meaning amid destruction, and the faint hope of release.

The project also includes an anime spin-off series on Netflix, with Reeves reprising his role in voice form. Inspired by anthology-style expansions like The Animatrix, the anime will explore different facets of B’s millennia-spanning history, offering fresh angles on his mythos. This dual approach—live-action feature first, followed by animated extension—mirrors Netflix’s strategy for building immersive universes around source material.

Development has moved methodically. Netflix acquired rights in 2021, shortly after the comic’s explosive debut. Early announcements generated massive hype, but progress slowed as Reeves juggled John Wick sequels, The Matrix Resurrections, and other commitments. Tomlin delivered multiple script drafts, with updates surfacing at events like San Diego Comic-Con. Lin joined in March 2025, bringing fresh momentum. In recent interviews, Lin expressed gratitude for being part of “Keanu’s creation,” noting collaborative work with Reeves and Tomlin to hone the final vision. As of early 2026, the film remains in pre-production, with filming likely ramping up soon for a release window in 2026–2027.

The comic’s success extends beyond issues. A 2024 novel, The Book of Elsewhere, co-written by Reeves and China Miéville, became a New York Times bestseller, delving deeper into B’s lore. This multimedia expansion underscores Reeves’ commitment to the character, treating BRZRKR as more than a one-off—it’s a universe he’s passionate about sharing.

For fans, the appeal lies in the promise of something raw and uncompromising. Reeves, post-John Wick, brings his signature physicality and stoic intensity to B, a role that feels tailor-made for his strengths. Lin’s action expertise ensures spectacular set pieces, while Tomlin’s script adds emotional resonance to the carnage. The hard R-rating allows unfiltered violence—bone-crunching fights, blood-soaked battles, and the psychological weight of immortality—without pulling punches.

Anticipation builds as details remain scarce. No full cast beyond Reeves has been announced, though speculation swirls around supporting roles for government handlers, allies, and ancient foes. The tone will blend high-octane action with introspective drama, exploring themes of purpose, violence as addiction, and the cost of eternal life.

BRZRKR arrives at a moment when audiences crave bold, character-driven spectacles. With Reeves at the helm of both performance and production, Lin’s kinetic direction, and Tomlin’s sharp writing, this Netflix original has the potential to become a defining action epic. It’s not just a comic adaptation—it’s a passion project from one of Hollywood’s most enduring icons, ready to unleash an immortal warrior on the world. Stay tuned; when B finally hits screens, the fight will be brutal, bloody, and unforgettable.