All the talk about superhero fatigue has been washed away by the success of Deadpool & Wolverine and how it saves the comic book movie genre. Studio and network executives are reactionary creatures, and everyone will flip on their capes and cowls to demand a slice of that sweet greenback-flavored pie once again. Netflix has invested heavily in the superhero genre in the past too, but it’s never had that big hit – the show or movie that has claimed all the plaudits and eyeballs at a global level. One could argue that The Umbrella Academy is certainly good, but does it compare to the success and reach of, say, The Avengers or a series like Smallville?

There is an ace up Netflix’s sleeve, though: BRZRKR, the BOOM! Studios comic book series that comes from the minds of Keanu Reeves, Matt Kindt, and Ron Garney. Netflix holds the rights for a live-action movie and screenwriter Mattson Tomlin confirmed at the 2024 San Diego Comic-Con that he submitted the latest draft of the script to the streaming service, so it’s one step closer to getting in front of the cameras. More importantly, fans and Netflix should be pumped about what comes next because of the potential of the film.

What is BRZRKR about?

What would happen if John Wick was an immortal superhero? That’s the basic premise of BRZRKR. The story follows a Keanu Reeves-lookalike demigod known only as B – the Berserker – who is cursed to roam the Earth for centuries and engage in the bloodiest of violence and battles. In modern times, he’s enlisted to do the dirty work for the U.S. government and in return, he will receive the chance to find out more about who he really is. 

Oh, and if anyone is thinking: Who would be interested in this? Well, the project raised over $1.45 million on Kickstarter to get funded in the first place, and the debut issue sold over 650,000 copies, as per Forbes. If it needs to be said: It was a monster hit before anyone had even experienced the full story here.

The beauty about BRZRKR, as demonstrated by the comics, is how it can jump across any time or period. Want to place B in modern times? Cool. What about a long-forgotten empire? Sure thing. The underwater city of Atlantis? Absolutely. How about B in space? Well, Hollywood sent Jason Voorhees up there before in Jason X, so why not strap B to a rocket and do it! Since the character is immortal, the storytelling isn’t limited to a single setting or era. Instead, it opens up the possibility for sequels (and prequels) that not only feel different from what came before it, but also are from aesthetic and storyline perspectives.

For a streaming service like Netflix, this is a dream scenario. Finally, it possesses a comic book-inspired property that is boundaryless in where it can venture and explore. In addition to this, it has one of the most universally beloved actors behind it.

The Keanu Reeves factor

Not only did Keanu Reeves conceive the original idea for BRZRKR, but he’s also the face of the franchise. There’s no getting around who B is supposed to be in the real world and no one hides it either. The other good news is, Reeves is prepared to lend both his producing and acting talents to the live-action film. That’s a headline right there.

After The Matrix and John Wick films, Reeves established himself as a modern-day action hero who knows how to roll with the punches and gun-fu. He knows what works – and doesn’t – to appeal to all lovers of roundhouse kicks and bloody noses. Instantly, that sets a high bar for BRZRKR to be nothing short of an muscle-fueled masterpiece, especially if Reeves is allowed to cook and bring all he’s learned from his other films to this project. Plus, he already possesses a built-in credibility and aura as an action star, so it makes it far easier for Netflix to sell him as a hero to the viewers.

Reeves is also a likable personality. As distinctively non-Hollywood as possible, the actor comes across as a down-to-Earth and kind human being who is grateful for his career and supporters. It isn’t too difficult for fans and audiences to get behind him, because everyone likes to see the nice guys win. Knowing how much blood, sweat, and tears Reeves put into this franchise, it’s likely that people will turn up to watch and support BRZRKR on principle alone.

Netflix allows for an R-rated fury of blood and guts 

Deadpool & Wolverine served as another reminder that there’s a time and place for R-rated comic book movies. Sure, these films might technically isolate younger audiences, but let’s be real here: The kids will still watch them in the end, much like this author snuck a peek at Paul Verhoeven’s RoboCop when he wasn’t even in second grade or able to swim without assistance. 

With Netflix, it isn’t about ticket sales; it’s about eyeballs. Resultantly, there’s a freedom to create movies how filmmakers want to, including making it as R-rated and gory as the source material requires. For BRZRKR, this makes all the difference, because the comic book series uses a lot of red splashes and body parts flying across the panels. Inspired by the over-the-top violence of the medium in the ’80s and infusing it with a wink of The Boys‘ violence, the story holds nothing back. Expect the cast and stunt doubles to go through buckets of corn syrup for this film.

Yet, violence can only go so far if the story is about as worthless as the last season of Game of Thrones. BRZRKR shouldn’t have this problem, considering the source material and Mattson Tomlin’s influence as a screenwriter. Tomlin knows comics, having written his own and worked on Matt Reeves’ The Batman and its sequel, while he’s built up a reputation as one of Hollywood’s hottest young writers. Not only that, but he’s also the showrunner of the anime Terminator Zero. It’s a big gig and anyone who gets handed the keys to the Terminator franchise knows they’ll have James Cameron breathing down their necks if it’s anything less than spectacular. Tomlin knows how to handle pressure and understands the importance of satisfying fans and creating something worth talking about.

All in all, it appears as if all the chips are falling in place for Keanu Reeves’ BRZRKR to succeed. The ingredients are there for Netflix to shape the next big superhero hit and have the viewers exclaiming, “Whoa!” The fans deserve it. Reeves deserves it. And Netflix deserves it, too. So, let’s hold thumbs that no one Rebel Moons this motion picture into a convoluted and inexplicable disaster.