Keanu Reeves boards '47 Ronin'

Keanu Reeves has signed on to star in Universal's upcoming battle epic "47 Ronin," which Variety says is based on a true tale.

The film follows a gang of samurai swordsmen who seek revenge for the death of their master in 18th century Japan. Reeves will play one of the men.

Chris Morgan, who co-wrote "Wanted," is writing the script. His other writing credits include "Cellular," "The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift" and the upcoming sequel "Fast & Furious."

Variety describes the flick as "mixing fantasy elements of the sort seen in 'The Lord of the Rings' pics, with gritty battle scenes akin to those in films such as 'Gladiator.'"

Reeves battling people with a big sword? Hey, why not? He'll be back on the big screen next in Scott Derrickson's remake of "The Day the Earth Stood Still," in theater this Friday.