Netflix buys film “Concrete Cowboy” starring Idris Elba, based on Tampa author G. Neri’s novel

The film adaptation of Tampa author Greg Neri’s novel “Ghtetto Cowboy” has earned accalim on the film festival circuit. The film adaptation, “Concrete Cowboy” was just bought by Netflix.

The streaming giant is set to release the film starring Idris Elba in 2021.

“From a Coretta Scott King Author Award Honor winner comes a street- smart tale about a displaced teen who learns to defend what’s right — the Cowboy Way. Inspired by the little- known urban riders of Philly and Brooklyn, this compelling tale of latter- day cowboy justice champions a world where your friends always have your back, especially when the chips are down.”

The film stars Caleb McLaughlin (Stranger Things) as Cole, Method Man as Leroy, Lorraine Touissant (Selma) as Nessie. Ricky Staub directed the film and Dan Walser wrote the screenplay.

You can order the book online here. You can see more of G. Neri’s work here.