Network giant Starz announced on Thursday that it has acquired the documentary 'White Boy', based on the story of 17-year-old Richard Wershe Jr. who allegedly ran a vicious, sophisticated underground cocaine operation throughout inner-city Detroit. Arrested as a teen and sentenced to life without parole, Wershe remains imprisoned 30 years later and is the subject of the Sony feature film 'White Boy Rick' starring Matthew McConaughey. 

Directed by Shawn Rech, the documentary 'White Boy' follows filmmakers as they investigate the subject of 1980's crime folklore – interviewing journalists, police, FBI agents and hit men – to set the record straight on the urban legend known as "White Boy Rick." The documentary will premiere on Starz in spring 2019. Matt Burke at Submarine Entertainment negotiated the deal on behalf of the filmmakers.

'White Boy Rick' made its international premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on Sept. 7 and opens in U.S. theaters on Sept. 14. Starz will also premiere the feature film 'White Boy Rick' in summer 2019. 

"Set in 1980s Detroit at the height of the crack epidemic and the War on Drugs, 'White Boy Rick' is based on the moving true story of a blue-collar father and his teenage son, Rick Wershe Jr, who became an undercover police informant and later a drug dealer, before he was abandoned by his handlers and sentenced to life in prison," read the official synopsis of the drama that arrives in theaters this fall. 

The McConaughey-starrer is set to be directed by Yann Demange with  Darren Aronofsky serving as the producer. Besides the leading duo, the Columbia Pictures movie will be scripted by Andy Weiss and Logan & Noah Miller. The film also boasts a host of star power including Bel Powley, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Brian Tyree Henry, RJ Cyler, Jonathan Majors, and Piper Laurie.