Idris Elba is set to return behind and in front of the camera for Apple Original Films, taking on both directorial and starring duties in the psychological thriller This Is How It Goes. The Golden Globe-winning actor and filmmaker will adapt Neil LaBute’s provocative stage play, marking another significant collaboration between Idris Elba and Apple following the success of his thriller series “Hijack.” This latest project represents a personal full-circle moment for the British star, who originally performed in the 2005 West End production of the same play alongside Ben Chaplin and Megan Dodds.
Table of Contents
From Stage to Screen: A Personal Journey
Idris Elba’s connection to This Is How It Goes runs deep, having originated the role of Cody in the 2005 Donmar Warehouse production in London’s West End.
Nearly two decades later, he returns to LaBute’s complex psychological drama with a fresh perspective, this time stepping into an unnamed different role while taking creative control of the adaptation process.
Original West End Production Details
| Production Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Theater | Donmar Warehouse, London |
| Performance Dates | July 14 – September 3, 2005 |
| Director | Moises Kaufman |
| Cast | Ben Chaplin (Man), Megan Dodds (Belinda), Idris Elba (Cody) |
| Runtime | Original stage production |
The psychological thriller explores themes of identity, race, and manipulation through the story of a married couple who reconnect with an old school acquaintance. What begins as a seemingly random encounter and generous offer to provide housing spirals into an examination of fractured relationships, uncomfortable secrets, and shifting perceptions of reality.
Idris Elba’s familiarity with the source material provides him with unique insights into the characters’ motivations and the play’s intricate psychological dynamics, positioning him ideally to translate LaBute’s stage work to the cinematic medium.
Creative Team and Production Partnership
The film adaptation marks a significant creative partnership between Idris Elba’s recently founded production company 22Summers and the established French studio Gaumont. This collaboration represents Idris Elba’s growing influence as a producer and his commitment to developing meaningful content through his own production banner.
Key Production Team
| Role | Name | Company/Background |
|---|---|---|
| Director/Star | Idris Elba | 22Summers |
| Screenwriter | Nathaniel Price | “Mr. Loverman,” “The Outlaws” |
| Producer | Gina Carter | 22Summers |
| Producer | Alison Jackson | Gaumont |
| Executive Producer | Idris Elba | 22Summers |
| Executive Producer | Sidonie Dumas | Gaumont |
Nathaniel Price, known for his work on “Mr. Loverman” and “The Outlaws,” brings his expertise in character-driven storytelling to the screenplay adaptation. His experience with layered, psychologically complex narratives aligns perfectly with LaBute’s provocative writing style and Idris Elba’s vision for the film.
22Summers, co-founded by Idris Elba alongside Diene Petterle and Gina Carter, represents the actor’s evolution into a multimedia content creator. The production company focuses on developing diverse, internationally-appealing content that reflects Idris Elba’s global perspective and artistic sensibilities.
The Source Material: Neil LaBute’s Provocative Drama
Neil LaBute’s This Is How It Goes premiered off-Broadway in 2005 and quickly gained attention for its unflinching examination of race, relationships, and moral ambiguity in small-town America. The play centers on Belinda and Cody Phipps, who appear to be a typical Midwestern couple—teenage sweethearts with children and a luxurious home, except that Cody is Black and Belinda is white.
The narrative tension escalates when Belinda finds herself attracted to a former white classmate who becomes their house guest. As the battle for her affections unfolds, both Belinda and Cody begin questioning the foundation of their initial attraction, opening dangerous territory that exposes bigotry, betrayal, and uncomfortable truths about love and attraction.
LaBute’s reputation for creating morally complex characters and situations that challenge audiences’ preconceptions makes This Is How It Goes particularly compelling source material for Idris Elba’s directorial vision.
Directorial Evolution and Cinematic Experience
This Is How It Goes represents Idris Elba’s continued growth as a filmmaker following his directorial debut with “Yardie” in 2018. His behind-the-camera experience has expanded significantly, with two additional upcoming features—”Above the Below” and “Infernus”—both of which he also stars in, demonstrating his commitment to multifaceted storytelling.
Idris Elba’s Directorial Portfolio
| Film | Year | Role | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yardie | 2018 | Director | Released |
| Above the Below | TBA | Director/Star | Post-production |
| Infernus | TBA | Director/Star | Post-production |
| This Is How It Goes | TBA | Director/Star | Pre-production |
His directorial approach combines his extensive acting experience with a keen understanding of character development and narrative tension. Idris Elba’s ability to work on both sides of the camera provides him with unique perspective on performance dynamics and storytelling efficiency.
The psychological thriller genre aligns perfectly with Idris Elba’s strengths, both as a performer known for his intensity and presence, and as a director capable of creating atmospheric, character-driven narratives.
Apple’s Strategic Investment in Idris Elba
Idris Elba has emerged as one of Apple TV+’s most valuable creative assets following the success of “Hijack,” the high-stakes thriller series he executive produced and starred in. The show’s success has already led to a sequel being greenlit, demonstrating Apple’s confidence in Idris Elba’s ability to deliver premium content that resonates with global audiences.
Apple Original Films’ investment in This Is How It Goes represents the streaming platform’s commitment to working with proven talent on prestigious projects. The company’s strategy focuses on quality over quantity, partnering with established creators and actors to develop content that elevates the platform’s reputation and attracts new subscribers.
Idris Elba’s global appeal and proven track record in both film and television make him an ideal partner for Apple’s international expansion efforts. His British origins, combined with his success in American productions and growing recognition worldwide, provide Apple with a creator capable of developing content with broad international appeal.
Technical and Creative Challenges
Adapting This Is How It Goes for the screen presents unique challenges, as the original play’s intimacy and psychological tension must be translated to a visual medium while maintaining the claustrophobic intensity that makes the stage version so compelling.
Idris Elba’s experience as both an actor and director positions him well to navigate these challenges. His understanding of the original material, combined with his cinematic sensibilities, should enable him to expand the story’s scope while preserving its psychological core.
The casting process will be crucial to the film’s success, as the three-character dynamic drives the entire narrative. Idris Elba’s decision to take on a different role than his original stage character suggests significant changes to the adaptation that could provide fresh perspectives on familiar material.
Read More: The Ba***ds of Bollywood Preview Teaser: Aryan Khan’s Bold Directorial Debut
FAQs
What role did Idris Elba play in the original stage production of This Is How It Goes?
Idris Elba played the character Cody in the 2005 West End production at London’s Donmar Warehouse, but he will take on a different, currently unnamed role in the film adaptation.
Who is writing the screenplay for the This Is How It Goes film adaptation?
Nathaniel Price, known for his work on “Mr. Loverman” and “The Outlaws,” is penning the screenplay for the film adaptation.
What production companies are involved in This Is How It Goes?
The film is a collaboration between Idris Elba’s 22Summers production company and the French studio Gaumont, producing for Apple Original Films.
When did Idris Elba first direct a feature film?
Idris Elba made his directorial debut with “Yardie” in 2018, and has since directed two additional upcoming features: “Above the Below” and “Infernus.”
What is the plot of This Is How It Goes?
The psychological thriller tells the story of a couple who reconnect with an old school acquaintance and offer to take him in, leading to a tense exploration of relationships, secrets, and moral ambiguity.
