Idris Elba, who was just at the Venice Film Festival to present Kathryn Bigelow’s “A House of Dynamite,” is set to star in and direct a feature film adaptation of Neil LaBute’s “This is How it Goes” for Apple Original Films, Variety can confirm.
A tense, psychological thriller, LaBute’s “This is How it Goes” tells the story of a couple who reconnect with an old school acquaintance – apparently randomly – and offer to take him in.
Elba starred in a 2005 West End production of the play alongside Ben Chaplin and Megan Dodds, playing the character of Cody. He will take on a different (as yet unnamed) role in the screen adaptation.
Further cast have not yet been announced.
Nathaniel Price (“Mr. Loverman,” “The Outlaws”) is penning the screenplay.
The project also marks a new creative partnership between 22Summers, the production company Elba recently co-founded with Diene Petterle and Gina Carter, and Gaumont. Together they will serve as the studio for the film, producing for Apple Original Films.
Elba’s directorial feature debut, “Yardie,” was released in 2018. He has also directed two upcoming features, “Above the Below” and “Infernus,” in which he also stars.
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“This is How it Goes” is produced by Gina Carter for 22Summers and Alison Jackson for Gaumont. Elba executive produces under his 22Summers banner and Sidonie Dumas serves as exec producer for Gaumant.
Elba is repped by WME, The Artists Partnership, The Lede Company and Johnson, Shapiro, Slewett & Kole.
Elba has emerged as one of Apple TV+’s most popular creative talents after he exec produced thriller series “Hijack,” in which he also starred. A sequel is also in motion after being greenlit in 2022.
From Variety US