Comedian-cum-actor Bernie Mac is in negotiations to join drama PDR, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Its title standing for Philadelphia Department of Recreation, the film will tell the true story of swimming coach Jim Ellis (Terrence Howard), who molded a group of inner-city youths into a wildly successful swim team.

Mac (Guess Who) will play a janitor who joins Ellis in the fight to prevent a recreation centre's closure.

Shooting begins in late April.