Gabriel Mann and Eliza Dushku have signed up to appear in a new indie film based around the death of Kevin Thacker in 1983.

The repeat drunk-driver was found dead in an alleyway behind an Iowa police department following his arrest.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Mann will play attorney Stuart Pepper, who tried to solve the mystery of Thacker's death, which left him fighting against police corruption.

Dushku will take on the role of Mann's loyal assistant, while John Savage will play Thacker's father, who requests Pepper's services in unravelling the truth behind his son's death.

The movie is being directed by Brian Jun. Filming began last week.