Idris Elba to Star in and Direct Action-Comedy In Laws
A Higher Standard launches sales for the upcoming buddy comedy project at AFM.
1Project Announcement at AFM
Idris Elba is set to star in and direct the upcoming action-comedy film titled In Laws. The project is currently being launched for worldwide sales by A Higher Standard ahead of the American Film Market. This collaboration marks a significant expansion of Elba's creative portfolio within the global film industry.
2Plot and Character Dynamics
The narrative follows Carson Hughes, a blacklisted secret agent seeking a chance at redemption. He is forced to partner with a young, by-the-book rookie to thwart a deadly plot. The duo must navigate their professional differences while racing against time to attend a wedding that neither can afford to miss.
3Production Timeline and Location
Principal photography for the film is scheduled to commence in March 2027. The production will take place in Spain, providing the backdrop for the action-packed buddy comedy. While the lead role is confirmed, the casting process for additional characters is currently underway to round out the ensemble for the feature.
4Directorial Track Record
In Laws represents the fourth feature film directed by Idris Elba. His previous directorial work includes the 2018 film Yardie and the upcoming Lionsgate project Above the Below, scheduled for December 2026. He is also attached to an untitled Apple Original Films project currently in development for a 2027 release.
5Production and Creative Team
Elba is producing the film under his 22Summers banner alongside partner Gina Carter. They are collaborating with Jeffrey Greenstein of A Higher Standard and Mark Fasano of Nickel City Pictures. The screenplay was written by Jeffrey Greenstein and Eshom Ian Nelms, based on an original script by Adrian Speckhert and Cory Hughes.
6Strategic Genre Approach
Elba expressed a strong personal interest in the buddy comedy genre, aiming to bring a unique spin to the traditional two-hander format. Greenstein noted that the project aligns perfectly with their creative goals, highlighting the synergy between Elba’s dual role as director and star in this specific comedic action setup.
7A Higher Standard Portfolio
The sales agency A Higher Standard has recently managed projects including the action thriller The Get Out, featuring Russell Crowe and Aaron Paul. They also handled Runner, starring Owen Wilson, and recently wrapped production on the dark thriller Sunny, which features Angelina Jolie in the lead role, showcasing their diverse distribution reach.
8Industry Context and Outlook
This project follows the recent completion of Luther: The Day Will Come for Netflix by Elba and Carter’s 22Summers. With their company receiving two Olivier Award nominations in 2025, the team continues to balance theatre development with high-profile film projects, signaling a robust production pipeline for the coming years in international cinema.
Original article: Deadline — Idris Elba to Star in and Direct Action-Comedy In Laws