Aug 30, 2007 - According to VarietyKeanu Reeves will play the humanoid alien named Klaatu in the 20th Century Fox movie The Day the Earth Stood Still. Fox's film will rework the 1951 film which was based on a story by Harry Bates titled Farewell to the Master.

The original '51 film is considered a classic and featured performances by Michael Rennie (as Klaatu), Patricia Neal, Hugh Marlowe, and Sam Jaffe.

The story follows alien dignitary Klaatu who comes to our planet to tell all earthlings to stop engaging in war amongst themselves or else suffer dire consequences.

David Scarpa (The Last Castle) wrote the screenplay and Scott Derrickson (The Exorcism of Emily Rose) is set to direct. Production is expected to begin by early 2008.

Keanu Reeves recently completed work on the crime drama The Night Watchmen co-starring Chris Evans and directed by David Ayer (Harsh Times).

Source: Variety