No wrench in Rinsch's editing room; Universal says the "47 Ronin" director is still in charge

 

 

 

     See what I did there?  Rinsch.  Wrench.  I--ah nevermind.

     Recent reports claimed that the director of the upcoming samurai epic 47 Ronin, Carl Rinsch,* had lost control of the production after the budget ballooned from $175 million to $225 million.  An inside source claimed that the director "buckled under the pressure of the ambitious shoot."  In an effort to dispel rumors, Universal pictures came to the defense of the young director, telling "Deadline" that the reports are patently false.  Although the studio is taking a more active role in the editing process, Rinsch is also actively editing 47 Ronin** which stars Keanu Reeves***.  Additionally, Universal states the budget is still under $200 million.

     As "R.E.M" might say "What's the frequency Kenneth?"  What's the real story?  Like most things it probably lies somewhere in the middle.  I can't for one second believe that a studio would completely lock a director completely out of the editing room.  At the same time for a first time director whose previous works included only commercials and short films, you can bank on the studio tightening the reins.  Especially with a $200 million budget.

     47 Ronin releases December 25, 2013.

 

*Rinsch was originally slated to direct the Alien prequel until Ridley Scott took over and it became Prometheus.

**The release date of this film has already changed twice.  At this rate we are probably going to get the third Bill and Ted movie first.

***I'm sorry I just can't see Reeves as a samurai and I have a feeling this movie is going to bomb worse than John Carter.