47 Ronin Director Faces 20 Years for $11M Netflix Scam
Carl Erik Rinsch, who directed Keanu Reeves in the 2013 flop 47 Ronin, has been convicted of defrauding Netflix out of $11 million intended for a TV series that never got made.
The filmmaker behind Keanu Reeves' notorious box office bomb has just been found guilty of stealing millions from the streaming giant. Carl Erik Rinsch, who directed 2013's 47 Ronin, was convicted of wire fraud after prosecutors proved he embezzled $11 million from Netflix that was supposed to fund a television series called Conquest.
U.S. District Judge Jed S. Rakoff delivered the guilty verdict, which could send Rinsch to prison for up to two decades. The director's legal team isn't backing down, with attorney Benjamin Zeman claiming the decision sets a troubling example for creative professionals everywhere.
From Promise to Prison
Rinsch's journey to federal court began with serious credentials. The filmmaker earned degrees from both Brown and Columbia University, specializing in arts and film production. His early career got a major boost when legendary director Ridley Scott personally endorsed him, calling the young talent extremely impressive.
Starting out in advertising, Rinsch created commercials for major brands including Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Samsung, and LG through Ridley Scott Associates. His 2010 short film The Gift earned recognition at the Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival, positioning him as a rising star in the industry.
The Big Break That Broke Bad
Universal Pictures handed Rinsch his first major motion picture opportunity with 47 Ronin in 2013. The samurai epic starring Keanu Reeves was supposed to launch the director into Hollywood's big leagues. Instead, the movie crashed spectacularly, bombing with both audiences and critics while losing money at theaters worldwide.
After that disaster, Rinsch returned to making commercials for corporate clients. But in 2018, Netflix offered him a second chance with Conquest, a 12-episode series that came with a hefty $55 million budget. The project never materialized despite years of development and tens of millions in spending.
Where the Money Went
Federal investigators discovered that after Netflix had already invested $44 million in the failed series, Rinsch fraudulently obtained an additional $11 million. Court documents revealed he spent the stolen funds on high-risk cryptocurrency investments and luxury purchases including multiple Rolls-Royce vehicles and expensive furniture.
Rinsch was first arrested in March 2025 and appeared in court the following month after posting a $100,000 bond. His defense attorney argued that the conviction creates a dangerous precedent for artists involved in creative disputes with their financial backers, stating: "I think the verdict was wrong and I fear that this could set a dangerous precedent for artists who become embroiled in contractual and creative disputes with their benefactors."