Time to set the "Days Without a Remake Announcement" counter back to zero, folks -- and this time around, Keanu Reeves is getting in on the action: Variety reports that Reeves has signed on to star in a new-and-presumably-improved version of the 1951 sci-fi classic The Day the Earth Stood Still.

The original Day, one of many films providing allegorical warnings during the dawn of the military-industrial complex, told the tale of a humanoid alien named Klaatu who journeys to Earth with a giant robot named Gort in an effort to convince the human race to change its warlike ways. (Ironically, Klaatu's efforts are underscored with the threat of violence from our interstellar neighbors, but hey, nobody's perfect.)

We know what you're thinking -- that Reeves would be perfect for the role of Gort -- but he has actually agreed to play Klaatu. No other casting announcements have been made, but Scott Derrickson will direct, with David Scarpa handling the screenplay. Twentieth Century Fox is hoping to start production late this year or in early 2008.

Reeves will next be seen in The Night Watchmen, a police drama also starring Forest Whitaker, Chris Evans, and Hugh Laurie.

Source: Variety