Idris Elba has joined the ensemble cast of the upcoming film, Ghetto Cowboy. He will also be a producer for the film, which is the feature directorial debut of Ricky Staub.

The film is based on the popular novel by Greg Neri.

The description:  15-year-old Cole is forced to live with his estranged father Harp (Elba) in North Philadelphia, where, despite the surrounding poverty and violence, he discovers the redemptive world of urban horseback riding.

“This story was built out of a deep friendship and collaboration with the riders of North Philly, and I couldn’t be more excited to honor their legacy with this film,” said Staub.

“Ricky and Dan’s brilliant script combines the energy and grit of an urban movie with the poetry and romance of the urban cowboy way of life,” said Elba.

No distributor is attached.