Brian Tyree Henry’s Challenging Role in Apple TV+ Series ‘Dope Thief’

Brian Tyree Henry is diving into one of his toughest acting roles yet in the new Apple TV+ series, Dope Thief. Alongside co-star Wagner Moura, who plays Manny, Henry’s character Ray navigates the complexities of an unlikely brotherhood born out of shared trauma. The duo gets caught up in a dangerous situation after a robbery takes a disastrous turn.

So, what’s ‘Dope Thief’ all about? Well, based on Dennis Tafoya’s book of the same name, the show follows long-time friends from Philly who masquerade as DEA agents to rob a house in the countryside. What starts as a small-time scheme quickly escalates into a life-and-death struggle as they unintentionally uncover a major narcotics corridor along the Eastern seaboard.

Henry describes his character, Ray, as a unique individual who starts off the show in chaos, promising viewers a roller-coaster ride throughout the series. In an interview with Blavity’s Shadow and Act, he shared, “We start the show already seeing him in some bulls**t immediately from the time we started. He’s in the back of a van trying to figure out how to rob a house, how to get these things, how to take this money, how to get these drugs — so you’re already seeing somebody who is in survival mode.”

Despite their older age, Henry believes that ‘Dope Thief’ is a coming-of-age story at its core. He explains, “Regardless of where we meet him, he is still developing. He’s trying to figure out who he is.” The show delves into Ray and Manny’s friendship and partnership, showcasing their vulnerabilities and the depths of their connection.

Now available for streaming on Apple TV+, ‘Dope Thief’ promises to be a gripping and thought-provoking exploration of friendship, survival, and the enduring effects of trauma.