Idris Elba is no longer attached to the action thriller Hammer Down, which is moving forward with new international backing.
Spain-based AF Films has officially joined producer Charles Roven and his Atlas Entertainment banner as a co-producer on the project. The film will be directed by Simon Hatt, who previously served as an executive producer on Guardians of the Galaxy.
When Hammer Down was first announced in October 2024, Elba was set to star and co-produce the film through his 22 Summers imprint alongside Roven. Deadline has now confirmed that Elba has exited the project, though no reason for the departure has been disclosed.
Hammer Down centers on a seasoned long-haul trucker and his determined daughter who are forced to confront their strained relationship while transporting a mysterious cargo across the country. As increasingly dangerous adversaries close in, the pair must rely on one another to survive the journey.
AF Films’ Frank Ariza and Manu Vega will produce alongside Atlas Entertainment’s Madison Weireter and Collin Kraus. Under the new partnership, AF Films will lead production in Spain and additional European territories, utilizing an international financing and production model.
“We’re excited to bring Hammer Down to life with AF Films,” Roven said, noting the collaboration’s focus on “high-energy, character-driven storytelling.”
Ariza added that the project aligns with AF Films’ international production strategy, allowing the company to engage fully as co-producers while supporting the film’s scale and ambition.
Casting updates have not yet been announced.