Netflix has successfully acquired the global rights to director Ricky Staub’s forthcoming wester drama film titled Concrete Cowboy which is being led by Golden Globe winner Idris Elba and Stranger Things star Caleb McLaughlin. According to Deadline, the streaming service is potentially eyeing a 2021 release for the film.
RELATED: John Cena & Idris Elba Reteaming for Head of State at Amazon Studios
Based on author Greg Neri’s drama novel titled Ghetto Cowboy, the film follows the story of 15-year old Cole (McLaughlin) who moves in with his estranged father Harp (Elba) in Philadelphia, where he is introduced to the vibrant urban cowboy subculture in the city, which flourishes despite the surrounding poverty, violence, and encroachment of gentrification.
Pick up a copy of the novel here!
Concrete Cowboy was also inspired by the real-life Fletcher Street Stables which is a black urban horsemanship community which has existed in Philadelphia for more than 100 years providing safe haven for the neighborhood.
The film also stars Emmy winner Jharrel Jerome (Moonlight, When They See Us), Lorraine Toussaint (The Village), Byron Bowers (The Chi), and Clifford “Method Man” Smith.
RELATED: Idris Elba to Star in Apple’s Spy Thriller Film From Simon Kinberg
Concrete Cowboy is the feature directorial debut of Ricky Staub, who co-wrote the screenplay with Dan Walser. It is produced by Elba, Walser, Lee Daniels, Tuckey Tooley, and Walser, Waxylu Films’ Jennifer Madelof and Jeff Waman. Greg Renker, Jason Barhydt, Sam Mercer, Tegan Jones, Staci Hagenbaugh and Neri are serving as executive producers. executive producers.
The film had its world premiere last September at the 2020 Toronto International Film Festival.