Keanu Reeves is set to star in 47 Ronin, an epic period film for Universal Pictures based on the true tale of a band of samurai swordsmen who avenged the death of their master in 18th century Japan, according to Variety.

Chris Morgan, who co-wrote Wanted and penned the upcoming Fast and Furious for Universal, is writing the script.

In 47 Ronin, he will play one of the swordsmen; the group and their master are revered in Japan for their revenge attack on Dec. 14, 1702.

The film will tell a stylized version of the story, 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.

Morgan is writing the script and tailoring it so that Reeves -- who's half-Asian -- can fit the role as one of the swordsmen.

The film will begin shooting next year after a director is hired.