Idris Elba to Star in and Direct New Action-Comedy In Laws
Idris Elba will star in and direct the action-comedy In Laws, Deadline reported exclusively, taking on a dual role for a feature film scheduled to begin principal photography in March 2027 in Spain.
The project follows Carson Hughes, a blacklisted secret agent played by Elba who receives an unexpected opportunity for redemption. To stop a deadly plot, Hughes is forced to partner with a young, by-the-book rookie agent. As the mismatched duo races against the clock, they discover shared complications that include trying to reach a wedding neither can afford to miss, provided they survive their mission without killing each other first.
Idris Elba To Star In & Direct Action-Comedy 'In Laws'; A Higher Standard Launching For AFM https://t.co/CEa1pCxnnf
Sales Launch Ahead of Market and Production Timeline
A Higher Standard is launching worldwide sales for the project ahead of the American Film Market, with WME Independent co-reps handling domestic sales. Additional casting for the production is currently underway.
The screenplay was written by Jeffrey Greenstein and Eshom and Ian Nelms, based on an original script by Adrian Speckhert and Cory Hughes. Through their 22Summers banner, Gina Carter and Elba serve as producers, partnering with Mark Fasano of Nickel City Pictures and Jeffrey Greenstein of A Higher Standard.
Elba Directs in Laws as Fourth Feature Film
In Laws marks Elba’s fourth feature film as a director. Among his past and upcoming directorial credits are Yardie (2018), an untitled Apple Original Films feature starring Charlie Cox, Wunmi Mosaku, and Elba himself, alongside Lionsgate’s Above the Below, which is set to debut on December 4, 2026.
Elba and Carter’s 22Summers banner recently wrapped production on Luther – The Day Will Come for Netflix. The production company also maintains active theater developments, having received two Olivier Award nominations in 2025.
A Higher Standard’s recent slate includes the action thriller The Get Out starring Russell Crowe, Luke Evans, Teresa Palmer, Nina Dobrev, and Aaron Paul, alongside Runner starring Owen Wilson and Alan Ritchson, and the dark thriller Sunny starring Angelina Jolie, according to Deadline.
The new project arrives during an active period for Elba across multiple media, including a January appearance in Children of Blood and Bone, a March reprisal as the voice of Knuckles in Sonic the Hedgehog 4, the May launch of an MI6 thriller book series titled Exiles co-written with Adam Hamdy, and a completed third Extraction film for Netflix alongside a returning role as John Luther opposite Ruth Wilson.