Maelstrom

Maelstrom is assembling as a high-concept action thriller at Netflix, with Alan Ritchson in negotiations to lead the cast. Jaume Collet-Serra, fresh from directing Netflix's breakout hit Carry-On, is attached to direct from a screenplay by Mark Bianculli, who refreshed a spec script originally written by the late Gregory Fitzpatrick and sold to Warner Bros. in 1993. The project marks the first major offering under Jeff Robinov's Netflix deal, with Robinov producing alongside Tabitha Shick and Talking Pictures. The Federal Marshal-versus-hurricane premise caught Netflix's attention following Carry-On's success as one of the streamer's most-watched films, prompting the platform to search for similar high-concept projects with broad commercial appeal. With Ritchson's action credentials and Collet-Serra's proven track record at Netflix, the long-dormant thriller is positioned as a potential tentpole for the streaming service.