47 Ronin, an English-language swords-and-samurai thriller starring Keanu Reeves [pictured], is prepping for a two-month shoot in Hungary.

Crews are currently building extensive sets at Raleigh Studios in Budapest, where Mid-Atlantic Films is providing production services.

Production is scheduled to begin in March, with crews shooting seven to eight weeks at Raleigh and on locations outside Budapest before moving to the UK.

Producer Scott Stuber recently produced Repo Men and The Wolfman for Universal, which is handling distribution for 47 Ronin. The production is director Carl Rinsch’s first feature film.

The production is an adaptation of an enduring Japanese legend, based on events which took place in the 18th century, about a band of samurai who set out to avenge the death of their master. 

While the story has been the subject of numerous films in Japan, 47 Ronin is the first English-language film adaptation. Despite the origin and setting, the Hungarian production nonetheless satisfied cultural criteria to qualify for Hungary’s 20% production rebate, sources in Budapest said.