47 Ronin Director Carl Erik Rinsch Found Guilty in Netflix Fraud

Carl Erik Rinsch, the filmmaker behind the 2013 film 47 Ronin, has landed in hot water after being found guilty of wire fraud and several related charges. The case, which has drawn plenty of attention, centres on Rinsch’s dealings with Netflix and the fallout from a failed television project. His lawyer, Benjamin Zeman, has argued that the verdict could set a worrying example for creatives in the industry, 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.

U.S. District Judge Jed S. Rakoff presided over the case, which revealed that Rinsch had misappropriated $11 million from the streaming platform. This led to his arrest earlier in the year, marking a dramatic turn in the director’s career, which once saw him working alongside Keanu Reeves on a major studio production.

From Commercials to Hollywood: Rinsch’s Career Path

Before his recent legal woes, Rinsch had built a solid reputation in the creative world. He graduated from both Brown and Columbia universities, focusing on arts and filmmaking. He came highly recommended by Ridley Scott, who described him as a standout talent.

Rinsch’s early work included directing high-profile commercials for brands like Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Samsung, and LG, working under the Ridley Scott Associates banner. In 2010, his short film The Gift picked up awards at the Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival, further boosting his profile.

His big break in feature films came with 47 Ronin in 2013. Despite the hype, the film struggled at the box office and didn’t win over critics or punters. After that, Rinsch returned to the world of advertising, directing more promos for major brands.

The Netflix Project That Never Was

In 2018, Rinsch looked set for a comeback when Netflix tapped him to helm a 12-episode series called Conquest. The project had a hefty $55 million budget, but for various reasons, it never made it to screens. Reports indicate that $44 million was spent before the production stalled completely.

It later emerged that Rinsch had siphoned off $11 million from the project, which led to the criminal charges. The funds were allegedly used for risky investments, including cryptocurrency, and for splashing out on luxury items like Rolls-Royces and high-end furniture.

Legal Drama and What Comes Next

Rinsch’s arrest came in March 2025, with a $100,000 bond posted to secure his release ahead of his court appearance in April. The legal process has now resulted in a conviction, and he faces up to 20 years behind bars unless a plea deal or sentence reduction is reached.

For those interested in the details of 47 Ronin, the film starred Keanu Reeves, Hiroyuki Sanada, Tadanobu Asano, and Rinko Kikuchi. It scored 16% from critics and 48% from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes, and took in $151 million at the box office. The film is currently available to stream on Netflix in the US.