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'White Boy Rick' movie with Matthew McConaughey to film in Detroit

Posted at 5:44 AM, May 02, 2017
and last updated 2017-05-02 13:38:45-04

It’s a story that has grabbed national attention for decades and now it’s set for the big screen.

Filming for a movie about Rick Wershe a.k.a. "White Boy Rick" is expected to make its way to Detroit. 

Wershe was a teen-turned undercover informant for police in the 80s. He was ultimately arrested for drug-trafficking, and remains Michigan's longest serving prisoner for a non-violent crime.

Matthew McConaughey plays White Boy Rick's father. Wershe will be played by 15-year-old Richie Meritt, who was discovered in Baltimore during a nationwide talent search. 

The film's other big names are Jennifer Jason Leigh, who will be playing an FBI agent; two-time Oscar® nominee Bruce Dern as Rick’s grandfather and three-time Oscar® nominee Piper Laurie as Rick’s grandmother.

“White Boy Rick” will be filmed primarily on location in Cleveland through early June with a couple of days in Detroit and Las Vegas.