Actors Mel Gibson and Tye Sheridan are in final negotiations to star in Blacklist screenplay Black Flies by Ryan King, based on the novel by Shannon Burke. Jean-Stephane Sauvaire, who last helmed the critically acclaimed A Prayer Before Dawn", will direct it, reports variety.com. Sheridan will also be a producer on the film with production slated to begin second quarter, 2019.

"Black Flies" is the story of a young paramedic, Ollie Cross, navigating his first year on the job. He's partnered with Rutkovsky, an experienced medic who thrusts Ollie into the harsh realities of New York's inner-city streets.