Universal’s action samurai fantasy 47 Ronin made its debut in Japan this weekend, taking just £1.3 million from 33 locations. Although making more than both Captain Phillips and RED 2, the $170 million epic looks set for a doomed U.S. opening this coming Christmas.
47 Ronin has been long in the works, with the release date shifting three times from November 2012, to February 2013 and then finally to Christmas Day. The martial arts epic stars Keanu Reeves (The Matrix), Hiroyuki Sanada (The Wolverine), Ko Shibisaka (One Missed Call) and Jin Akanishi (Speed Racer) as part of a group of 47 samurai, who set out to avenge the death and dishonour of their master at the hands of a ruthless shogun. First time director Carl Rinsch is helming the film, and it is due to arrive here in the UK on Boxing Day.
Originally published December 9, 2013. Updated April 11, 2018.
