United Kingdom, Sept. 8 -- Daniel Kaluuya was "kind of retired" before he was cast in Misty Green.

The 37-year-old actor stars in Misty Green, the new comedy-drama film, alongside Rosalind Eleazar, Adam Driver, and Anna Kendrick - but Daniel had to be convinced to board the project by director Chris Rock.

Chris, 61, told Variety: "Daniel was kind of retired.

"We hung out when I was on tour with Chappelle. I had to beg him. He was the only one I had to beg. Everybody else was like, 'I can't wait to do this movie!' Daniel, I had to go to his hotel. I definitely tap-danced. It was worth it."

Asked why Daniel was hesitant, Chris replied: "Well, we had no money. People want to get paid!

"This is a good time - all these streaming services ...