Actor/rapper Chris “Ludacris” Bridges has landed a starring role in the action/drama “Ride.” The project is the latest film from Forrest Lucas and Ali Afshar’s ESX Entertainment, and is based on the inspiring true story of BMX champion John Buultjens, a young teen, undoubtedly on the road to ruin, who is rescued when he is fostered by an unlikely interracial couple, including the foster father (played by Bridges) who wins the kid over when he buys him his first bicycle, while also nursing his emotional wounds.

Bridges will be joined in front of the camera by Sasha Alexander (“Yes Man,” “NCIS,” “Rizzoli & Isles”), Ali Afshar (“Three Kings,” “American Wrestler: The Wizard”), Bryan Craig (“General Hospital”), George Kosturos (“American Wrestler: The Wizard”), Shane Graham (“Boyhood,” “Girl of the Edge”) and Jessica Michelle.

Alex Ranarivelo (“Running Wild,” “American Wrestler,” “Born to Race” film series) is directing the film from a script he co-wrote with Hadeel Reda, Jean-Marie Sobeck and Jack Reher.

“Ride” is produced by Ali Afshar and Hadeel Reda (“16 Blocks, “Heartbreakers”) – the same producing team that is currently garnering awards season recognition for “American Wrestler: The Wizard,” the inspiring coming of age story of perseverance in the face of adversity, starring Jon Voight, William Fichtner, Lia Marie Johnson, Gabriel Basso and Afshar. It was revealed today that the film won the Audience Award at the 2016 Austin Film Festival.

“Ride” is the sixth collaboration between Afshar and Lucas’ ESX Entertainment and director Alex Ranarivelo. They most recently teamed on the dramas “Running Wild” starring Sharon Stone and “Praying For Rain” starring Jane Seymour.

Chris “Ludacris” Bridges is represented by CAA.

ESX Entertainment

Get relevant content delivered to you once a week