Idris Elba appears in first photo from Philly-filmed ‘Concrete Cowboys’

The highly-anticipated Concrete Cowboys, movie that was filmed in Philadelphia and led by Idris Elba, is only a few months away from making its debut.

What We Know:

  • Elba was in Philadelphia last summer learning the strides of horseback riding while filming for the adaptation based on Greg Neri’s novel, Ghetto Cowboys. Now we have a first look at Elba in the movie, with co-star Caleb McLaughlin of Stranger Things.

  • There were also other cast members who were seen in another photo including Jharrel Jerome, Lorraine Toussaint, Byron Bowers, and Method Man.

  • Elba plays Harp, a North Philadelphia father who mentors his 15-year-old son, Cole, in the urban pastime of horseback riding at Fletcher Street Stables.
  • Abandoned by his mother, Cole reunites with Harp and initially shows disinterest towards horseback riding. He eventually learns that the city of Philadelphia is threatening to shut down the local stable. He and Harp must fight alongside their cowboy companions to preserve a piece of history that is not very well known.
  • In real life, there is a long standing tradition of horseback riding in Philadelphia’s Black communities specifically at Fletcher Street Urban Riding Club, Work to Ride, and the Black Cowboys Association.
  • Digital Spy reported the film likely will feature themes of unemployment, drug use ,and gentrification — issues that have affected Philadelphia’s riding clubs in real life.

Concrete Cowboys is expected to debut at the Toronto International Film Festival in September.