LaKeith Stanfield, fresh from his role in Jeymes Samuel’s “The Book of Clarence,” is set to star alongside Mark Wahlberg in the upcoming crime thriller “Play Dirty.” Directed by Shane Black for Amazon MGM Studios, the film is an adaptation of Donald E. Westlake’s Parker novels.
Play Dirty revolves around Wahlberg’s character, a seasoned professional thief who finds himself double-crossed and left for dead. Fuelled by a desire for revenge, he embarks on a journey that presents not only a chance for payback but also the opportunity for the most significant heist of his career. With the assistance of his partner, Grofield, an actor-slash-con artist played by Stanfield, the duo faces the daunting task of outsmarting a South American dictator, the New York mob, and the world’s richest man to ensure their survival.
The script is crafted by Shane Black, Charles Mondry, and Anthony Bagarozzi. Behind the scenes, the project underwent changes as Joel Silver, the initial producer, was relieved of his duties in November due to allegations of verbal abuse. Jules Daly and Marc Toberoff have taken over as producers, with Robert Downey Jr. and Susan Downey serving as executive producers, along with Black, Mondry, Bagarozzi, and James Skotchdopole. Ezra Emanuel is co-producing.
LaKeith Stanfield’s involvement in “Play Dirty” follows his Oscar-nominated performance in “Judas and the Black Messiah” and his role in the Disney summer tentpole “Haunted Mansion.” Known for his work in films like “Sorry to Bother You” and his contributions to the FX series “Atlanta,”
Stanfield’s latest film, The Book of Clarence, just hit theaters.
Written and directed by Jeymes Samuel, it follows Clarence, who is captivated by the power of the rising Messiah and soon risks everything to carve a path to a divine existence.