AppleTV+ - Dope Thief: A Bold New Crime Saga from Ridley Scott and Peter Craig

By Mulder, 18 february 2025

Apple TV+ continues to expand its catalog of high-quality original content with Dope Thief, an upcoming crime drama series that promises to deliver intense action, gripping suspense, and complex character dynamics. Starring the critically acclaimed Brian Tyree Henry (Atlanta, Causeway, Bullet Train), this eight-episode series is adapted from Dennis Tafoya’s novel of the same name and is set to premiere on March 14, 2025. The highly anticipated show is created and written by Peter Craig, known for his work on blockbuster films like The Batman and Top Gun: Maverick, with legendary filmmaker Ridley Scott (Gladiator, Blade Runner, The Martian) serving as both producer and director of the first episode.

The newly released trailer teases an electrifying and dangerous journey into the underworld of Philadelphia, where two longtime friends, small-time criminals, assume the identities of DEA agents to pull off what they believe to be an easy and lucrative scam. Their target: a rural home that they think belongs to an ordinary dealer. However, their plan takes a terrifying turn when they inadvertently stumble upon the largest drug trafficking operation on the East Coast. What begins as a routine con quickly spirals into a high-stakes struggle for survival as the two men find themselves hunted by ruthless criminal organizations and law enforcement alike. The gripping storyline explores themes of loyalty, deception, and the price of greed, making Dope Thief a must-watch for fans of intense crime dramas. Alongside Brian Tyree Henry, the series boasts an impressive ensemble cast that includes Wagner Moura (Narcos, Civil War), Marin Ireland (The Umbrella Academy, Sneaky Pete), Kate Mulgrew (Star Trek: Prodigy, Orange Is the New Black), Nesta Cooper (See), Amir Arison (The Blacklist), and Ving Rhames (Mission: Impossible). Each actor brings a unique presence to the screen, adding layers of depth to the already tension-filled narrative. With a cast of this caliber, Dope Thief is set to deliver emotionally charged performances that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

The journey to bring Dope Thief to the screen began in August 2022, when Apple TV+ announced its development under the working title Sinking Spring. Initially set to star Michael Mando, the series saw a significant casting change when he was replaced by Wagner Moura following an on-set incident. The show’s production was also impacted by the 2023 Writers Guild of America strike, which led to a temporary halt in filming on May 9, 2023. Despite these challenges, the series continued forward and officially changed its title to Dope Thief in November 2024, aligning it more closely with the source material. One of the key elements that sets Dope Thief apart is its cinematic storytelling and atmospheric direction. With Ridley Scott at the helm for the pilot episode and cinematography handled by Erik Messerschmidt (Mank, The Killer), the series is expected to deliver a stylized yet gritty aesthetic, immersing viewers in the dangerous world of its protagonists. The score, composed by Dominic Lewis (Bullet Train, The King’s Man), further amplifies the tension, blending pulsating rhythms with dark, moody undertones that match the show’s unpredictable twists and turns.

The production is spearheaded by Scott Free Productions and Apple Studios, with an esteemed lineup of executive producers, including Peter Craig, Ridley Scott, David W. Zucker, Jordan Sheehan, Clayton Krueger, and Brian Tyree Henry himself. Their collective experience and expertise promise a sophisticated narrative that goes beyond the standard crime thriller, delving into the psychology of its characters and the brutal realities of the world they inhabit. Apple TV+ has confirmed that Dope Thief will premiere with two episodes on March 14, 2025, followed by a weekly release every Friday until April 25, 2025. Given its compelling premise, powerhouse performances, and a production team known for delivering high-quality storytelling, the series is already generating significant buzz among both critics and audiences.

With its intense storyline, high-stakes action, and unforgettable performances, Dope Thief is poised to become one of Apple TV+’s standout original series of the year. Fans of crime dramas like Breaking Bad, Ozark, and Narcos will undoubtedly find themselves captivated by its mix of underworld intrigue, moral dilemmas, and pulse-pounding suspense. As anticipation builds, viewers can now get their first glimpse of the action by watching the official trailer here: YouTube.

Synopsis :
In Philadelphia, criminals pose as narcotics agents in order to rob a house in the country. Without meaning to, they expose the biggest drug trafficking operation on the East Coast.

Dope Thief
Created by Peter Craig
Based on Dope Thief by Dennis Tafoya
Written by Peter Craig
Starring Brian Tyree Henry, Wagner Moura, Marin Ireland, Kate Mulgrew
Theme music composer : Dominic Lewis
Executive producers : Peter Craig, Ridley Scott, David W. Zucker, Jordan Sheehan, Clayton Krueger, Brian Tyree Henry
Cinematography : Erik Messerschmidt
Editor : Billy Rich
Production companies : Sun Center Studios, Scott Free Productions, Apple Studios
Network : Apple TV+