From ancient honor to cyber‑punk rebellion—this saga isn’t over
A sequel to the 2013 fantasy film 47 Ronin is officially in development—often referred to as 47 Ronin 2 or Blade of the 47 Ronin—and aims to reinvent the franchise with science fiction flair and a diverse cast. Inspired by the historical tale of the forty-seven masterless samurai who avenged their lord in 1703 Japan, the sequel projects a bold leap forward in time and style.
Veteran martial arts action director Ron Yuan is set to helm, supported by writers Aimee Garcia and AJ Mendez (AJ Lee), who bring fresh energy and multicultural perspectives to the story. The new installment is set centuries after the original, blending samurai combat with cyberpunk, horror, and high-tech elements. It promises to push into visually striking, genre-crossing territory. Netflix is expected to distribute, with the story centering on longtime ronin descendants—featuring strong female and ethnically diverse leads. Anna Akana and Mark Dacascos may headline, though Keanu Reeves is not officially confirmed.
A completed script already exists, production began in Hungary under Universal 1440, and casting is in progress. While release details are pending, 2025 is a possible target year. The first 47 Ronin flopped at the box office, but its unique fantasy blend earned a fan base. This sequel aims for redemption: more grounded tone, tighter visuals, and genuine inclusion of underrepresented heroes.
The creative team emphasizes representation, promising female-driven storylines and a global ensemble—marking a shift from the original’s near-exclusive focus. By embracing futuristic stylings, the sequel is distancing itself from the historical epic genre, leaning into high-stakes, stylized action with horror and cyberpunk elements.
