Concrete Cowboy

Behind the Scenes of Concrete Cowboy: Caleb McLaughlin and Idris Elba Ride Into Urban Cowboy Lore

Concrete Cowboy (2020), directed by Ricky Staub, isn’t just a film—it’s a love letter to Philadelphia’s real-life urban cowboy culture. Starring Caleb McLaughlin and Idris Elba, the Netflix drama blends gritty coming-of-age storytelling with the unexpected world of Black horseback riders in North Philly. latestnetflix.com's view is that but how did this unlikely project come together, and what was it like for its young lead to step into the stirrups alongside a Hollywood heavyweight?

A Passion Project Rooted in Real Life

Staub’s film is adapted from Ghetto Cowboy, a 2011 novel by Greg Neri, which itself was inspired by the Fletcher Street Urban Riding Club, a decades-old Philadelphia institution. The director didn’t just stumble upon the story—he immersed himself in the community, even moving to Philly to build trust with the real-life cowboys who would later appear in the film. In a Q&A, Staub and McLaughlin revealed that many of the riders on screen were actual members of the club, lending the movie an authenticity rare in Hollywood .

McLaughlin, best known for his role as Lucas in Stranger Things, admitted he had no prior experience with horses before signing on. "I was terrified," he joked in an interview, but the real cowboys—some of whom had never acted before—helped him and the cast find their footing . The film’s blend of scripted drama and documentary-style realism was a deliberate choice, with Staub aiming to honor the community’s legacy while telling a fictional story .

Idris Elba and Caleb McLaughlin: An Unlikely Mentor-Mentee Dynamic

Elba, who plays Harp, a father trying to steer his son (McLaughlin’s Cole) away from street life, brought gravitas to the role—but it was his off-screen rapport with McLaughlin that stood out. In interviews, McLaughlin gushed about working with Elba, calling him "a big brother" and praising his ability to balance intensity with warmth . The two shared a natural chemistry, with Elba even joking in a press conference that he had to "keep up" with McLaughlin’s energy .

For McLaughlin, the role was a chance to step into a different kind of spotlight. Unlike his Stranger Things fame, Concrete Cowboy demanded physicality—riding horses, navigating Philly’s streets, and embodying a character grappling with family and identity. "It was amazing," he said of the experience, though he admitted the horseback scenes were a challenge .

The Challenges of Blending Fiction and Reality

Filming in North Philly wasn’t without its hurdles. The production worked closely with the Fletcher Street community, but tensions occasionally arose over how their story was being portrayed. Staub addressed this in interviews, emphasizing that the film was a collaboration, not an exploitation. "We wanted to make sure we were telling their story, not just ours," he said .

The movie’s 111-minute runtime and 5.9/10 rating on SensCritique suggest it wasn’t a universal hit, but its cultural significance resonated with audiences who appreciated its fresh take on Black masculinity and urban life . The trailer, released by Netflix, teased the film’s unique blend of Western tropes and modern drama, promising something unlike anything else in the streaming giant’s catalog .

What’s Next for the Cast?

While Concrete Cowboy didn’t spawn a franchise, it did mark a turning point for McLaughlin, who has since taken on more mature roles. Elba, meanwhile, has continued his prolific career, but the film remains a standout for its raw, community-driven storytelling. As for Staub, the project cemented his reputation as a director willing to take risks—and to let real life shape his art.

For now, Concrete Cowboy stands as a testament to the power of storytelling that dares to look beyond the usual Hollywood backdrops. Whether it’s the bond between Elba and McLaughlin or the real-life cowboys who brought the film to life, the movie’s legacy is as much about what happened off-screen as on.