Before Keanu Reeves became the unstoppable force behind the John Wick franchise, he weathered a rough patch that included one of the most expensive box office bombs of his career. That film, 47 Ronin, is now set to leave Peacock on July 1, 2026—so if you've been meaning to revisit this cult fantasy epic, time is running out.
Released on Christmas Day 2013, 47 Ronin was a massive gamble for Universal Pictures. With a reported budget of $225 million, it was the most expensive movie Reeves had headlined since The Matrix trilogy. The film blended Japanese palace intrigue with high fantasy, featuring Reeves alongside a stellar international cast that included Shōgun stars Tadanobu Asano and Hiroyuki Sanada, as well as Oscar nominee Rinko Kikuchi. Despite the star power and visual spectacle, the movie struggled both critically and commercially.
The film currently holds a dismal 16% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with the consensus calling it "a surprisingly dull fantasy adventure" that leaves its talented cast stranded in one-dimensional roles. It earned just $151 million worldwide, losing Universal millions. Behind the scenes, first-time director Carl Rinsch reportedly struggled with the production, leading to extensive reshoots that ballooned the budget.
For Reeves, 47 Ronin marked the low point of a difficult decade between 2004 and 2014. After the Matrix trilogy wrapped in 2003, he starred in underperforming big-budget films like The Day the Earth Stood Still and Constantine, and his directorial debut The Man of Tai Chi also failed to gain traction. But just a year after 47 Ronin, everything changed with the release of John Wick, which launched a billion-dollar franchise that's still going strong with a fifth installment on the horizon.
Asano and Sanada, meanwhile, have enjoyed a career resurgence thanks to the hit series Shōgun, and recently reunited on screen in Mortal Kombat II. Their presence in 47 Ronin adds an extra layer of interest for fans of the acclaimed historical drama.
If you're in the mood for a flawed but fascinating fantasy epic, 47 Ronin is worth a watch before it vanishes from Peacock. For more streaming departures, check out Michael Bay's 'Pain & Gain' Leaves Peacock in July 2026 and Tom Cruise's 'Jack Reacher' Movie Leaves Peacock in July 2026. And for another underrated gem, see How a 'Bridgerton' Star's Underrated Fantasy Film Conquered Pluto TV in June 2026.
Stay tuned to ShowtimeSpot for more updates on what's leaving streaming and what's worth your time.
