According to The Hollywood Reporter, comedian Bernie Mac is in final negotiations to sign on for his first dramatic role, co-starring with Terrence Howard in PDR for Lionsgate Films.

PDR, or Philadelphia Department of Recreation, chronicles the real-life story of Jim Ellis (Howard), who in the 1970s transformed a group of troubled inner-city kids into one of the best swim teams in the country. Mac will play the janitor who, with Howard, fights the closing of a rec center and helps turn it into a vital community center.

South African commercial helmer Sunu Gonera is making his feature directorial debut on the film, which was penned by Michael Gozzard and Kevin M. Smith.