The film is based on the true story of Leo Sharp, a World War II veteran in his 80s who became a drug dealer and courier for the Sinaloa Cartel. It is Eastwood's first acting project since 2012's Trouble with the Curve, and his first starring role in a film directed by himself since 2008's Gran Torino. The film also stars Bradley Cooper, Dianne Wiest, Michael Peña, and Laurence Fishburne.