Keanu Reeves in Talks to Star in Ruben Östlund's Social Satire 'The Entertainment System is Down'

Keanu Reeves is in discussions to join the cast of acclaimed director Ruben Östlund's upcoming social satire film, 'The Entertainment System is Down'. The movie is set on a long-haul flight where the in-flight entertainment system malfunctions, sparking chaos and rage among the passengers.

Östlund, known for his Palme d'Or-winning films 'The Square' and 'Triangle of Sadness', has described the project as a study of how modern human beings interact in the confined space of an airplane when deprived of digital entertainment. The director has been collecting anecdotes for the film over the past few years and has finalized the script.

While details about Reeves' role have not been revealed, the film is expected to feature a star-studded ensemble cast of international actors. Östlund has crafted the screenplay based on years of anecdotes, blending his signature black comedy with Reeves' trademark wit.

'The Entertainment System is Down' promises a turbulent journey through chaos and laughter at 30,000 feet as the entertainment system breakdown ignites a social satire aboard the flight. Östlund hopes the film will inspire the biggest walkout in Cannes Film Festival history, as he believes the experience of being left alone with one's thoughts will be more provocative than any violent or disturbing content.

Why this matters: Östlund's upcoming film tackles the timely issue of society's dependence on digital entertainment and the consequences of its absence. The collaboration between Östlund and Reeves has the potential to deliver a thought-provoking and darkly humorous commentary on modern human behavior.

The film will be produced by Östlund and Erik Hemmendorff through their production company Plattform Produktion, with Philippe Bober's Coproduction Office handling international sales. 'The Entertainment System is Down' is expected to be Östlund's most ambitious project to date, following his success with 'Triangle of Sadness', which won the Palme d'Or at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival and was nominated for the Best Picture Oscar.

Key Takeaways

• Keanu Reeves in talks to join cast of Ruben Östlund's new film 'The Entertainment System is Down'.
• Film set on a long-haul flight where the in-flight entertainment system malfunctions, causing chaos.
• Östlund hopes film will inspire biggest walkout in Cannes Film Festival history.
• Collaboration between Östlund and Reeves promises thought-provoking social satire on modern behavior.
• Film expected to be Östlund's most ambitious project following success of 'Triangle of Sadness'.