Martin Sheen has landed a trashy new project…

The 72-year-old half-Spanish actor and former West Wing star, who was born Ramón Antonio Gerardo Estévez, has been cast opposite Side Effects’ actress Rooney Mara in the mystery film Trash.

Based on Andy Mulligan‘s young adult novel, the film centers on three homeless boys living in an intentionally ambiguous “third world” country in the near future who discover something in a trash heap worth protecting.

Filming is expected to begin in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil next month.

Mara will portray an NGO worker and Sheen is set to play Father Julliard. Rickson Teves, Eduardo Luis and Gabriel Weinstein will make their film debuts as the three boys.

The Hours’ Stephen Daldry is set to direct the project, which was adapted for the screen by Richard Curtis.