Idris Elba to direct and star in action-thriller from “The Pursuit” writer

Actor Idris Elba (“Luther”) will star in, produce and direct the action thriller “Infernus”. In the film, he will play a UN human rights activist sent to investigate reports of refugees being illegally detained in a secret US prison.

The task takes a dangerous turn when the world’s most dangerous prisoners break free, and Elba must work to safely release the refugees while facing a crime boss.

The plot is based on a story by Tom Boyle and a screenplay by veteran action film Robert Mark Kamen, known for his work on the “Relentless Pursuit” and “Karate Kid” franchises. Filming will begin in October in London, with parts of the production also set to take place in Ghana, West Africa. The site is home to a branch of the TD Akuna studio, created by Elba with producers Tony Tagoe and Danny Damah, to help develop the region’s film industry.

“Infernus” will be the second directed by Elba, who debuted in the role in “Yardie” (2018). “I am really looking forward to this opportunity, both in front of and behind the camera, filming across Europe, as well as bringing our production to Africa, which has an emerging film community that we are proud to support,” he said in a statement.

Produced in partnership by Green Door Pictures, Millennium Media, Sprout Pictures and Archery Pictures, the feature still does not have a release date.