Brian Tyree Henry Reflects on Transformative Role in ‘Dope Thief’
LONDON:
Renowned actor Brian Tyree Henry steps into the gripping world of crime and survival in the new thriller series Dope Thief. Portraying a thief haunted by his past while fighting for his life, Henry describes the role as deeply personal, calling it a “homecoming.”
The eight-episode drama follows Ray (Henry) and his close friend Manny, played by Narcos star Wagner Moura. The duo, disguised as DEA agents, target drug houses in Philadelphia for their heists. However, their luck takes a dark turn when they unknowingly raid the wrong house, triggering a dangerous pursuit by both a powerful cartel and law enforcement.
In a conversation with Reuters, Henry, known for Bullet Train, Causeway (which earned him an Oscar nomination), and Transformers One, opened up about the emotional depth of his character.
“I connected with Ray in so many ways,” he shared. “He’s a man burdened by generational trauma, trying to carve out a path for himself, longing to be seen and cared for. Playing him allowed me to unpack my own struggles—fear, abandonment, emotions I hadn’t fully confronted before. In many ways, Ray felt like coming home.”
At the core of Dope Thief is the enduring bond between Ray and Manny, exploring how they navigate their hardships. Inspired by Dennis Tafoya’s 2009 novel, the series takes creative liberties, offering a fresh take on the original story.
Series creator Peter Craig explained the decision to diverge from the book’s narrative. “Tafoya’s novel has two distinct parts, with the latter being more introspective. I loved the idea of focusing on the action-driven first half while leaving room for new storytelling elements,” he said.
Dope Thief is set to premiere on Apple TV+ this Friday.
