47 Ronin Director Carl Erik Rinsch Found Guilty in Netflix Fraud

Carl Erik Rinsch, the director behind the 2013 film 47 Ronin, has been convicted on multiple counts of wire fraud, including a headline-making $11 million scheme targeting Netflix. The verdict, delivered by U.S. District Judge Jed S. Rakoff, follows a lengthy investigation into Rinsch’s financial dealings with the streaming giant. His attorney, Benjamin Zeman, voiced concerns about the broader impact of the case, 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.

Rinsch’s legal troubles have sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, raising questions about the relationship between creators and major studios.

Career Highlights and Setbacks

Before his recent conviction, Rinsch was recognized for his academic achievements, having graduated from both Brown and Columbia University with a focus on arts and filmmaking. He was once personally endorsed by Ridley Scott, who described him as exceptionally talented. Rinsch’s early career was marked by directing commercials for high-profile brands like Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Samsung, and LG, working under Ridley Scott Associates. His short film, The Gift, earned accolades at the 2010 Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival.

Rinsch’s big break in Hollywood came with 47 Ronin, a major studio production starring Keanu Reeves. Despite high expectations, the film struggled at the box office and received mixed reviews, prompting Rinsch to return to commercial work. In 2018, Netflix tapped him to helm a 12-episode series called Conquest, allocating a $55 million budget. However, the project stalled, and the series never made it to air.

Legal Troubles and Financial Fallout

The unraveling of Rinsch’s career began when Netflix discovered that $11 million intended for the Conquest project had been misappropriated. Investigators found that Rinsch had already spent $44 million on the series before diverting the remaining funds. Reports indicate that he used the money for speculative investments in cryptocurrency and extravagant purchases, including luxury cars and high-end furniture.

Rinsch was first arrested in March 2025, with his court appearance following in April after posting a $100,000 bond. The conviction now puts him at risk of a 20-year prison sentence, unless a plea deal or sentence reduction is reached.

47 Ronin: A Closer Look

47 Ronin remains Rinsch’s most notable work, featuring a cast led by Keanu Reeves, Hiroyuki Sanada, Tadanobu Asano, and Rinko Kikuchi. The film holds a 16% critics’ score and a 48% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, with a global box office gross of $151 million. Despite its underwhelming performance, the movie has found a new audience through streaming platforms.

The recent developments in Rinsch’s case have sparked debate within the film community about the risks and responsibilities involved in high-stakes creative partnerships. 47 Ronin is currently available to stream on Netflix in the United States.