Brian Tyree Henry Reveals the Challenges of Playing Antihero Ray in Dope Thief

Known for his captivating performances on TV and in movies, Oscar-nominated actor Brian Tyree Henry is gracing our screens again with a suspenseful series, this time exclusively on Apple TV+ titled “Dope Thief“. In this show, Henry portrays the complex character Ray, who, under false pretenses as a DEA agent, infiltrates drug dens for a quick buck. This certainly seems like a recipe for trouble, leaving one to ponder what his beloved “Paper Boi” character from “Atlanta” would think of such devious behavior. However, Ray is capable of showing compassion and vulnerability, and Henry recently spoke with MovieWeb to share insights into the development of this new lead role and what viewers might glean from it.

Henry shared with us his hope that viewers find themselves captivated and curious about characters like Ray on their screens. He hasn’t come across this type of character portrayal quite as he has in this series. Thus, he hopes the audience will keep tuning in each week to follow Ray’s journey. He wants viewers to root for Ray, to feel invested in his story, and to be thrilled about Ray and his friend Manny, played by Wagner Moura. Henry is curious to see how the public will react to Ray, as he’s a heroic character yet has aspects of an antihero as well.

People have been using terms like “Breaking Bad” and “The Wire”, and I always disliked Walter White… I can’t say I ever liked him. However, with Ray, there’s a certain softness to him at times. There’s a vulnerability that’s palpable. There’s this sense of hope, of wanting this character, despite his age, to succeed. To me, that aspect is something truly unique and special.

Henry also expressed his excitement that the character he played is different from any he has portrayed before. He mentioned that this role was particularly demanding, yet rewarding. Additionally, he shared his joy in both starring in and executive-producing a project simultaneously, calling it an extraordinary experience, but one that he found incredibly satisfying.

“Never Seen Anything Like This”

In the making of “Dope Thief“, Henry joins forces with other prominent figures in Hollywood, such as Peter Craig (a writer known for The Batman and The Town) and a variety of talented co-stars. As Henry shared with us, “This show features some of the most remarkable characters I’ve ever encountered. Manny [Moura], my fellow accomplice in both literal and figurative terms, is one. Then there’s Ving Rhames, Kate Mulgrew, Marin Ireland, and Nesta Cooper – all outstanding performers.” He further mentioned:

Peter Craig’s writing is simply remarkable! In fact, it’s his first time venturing into television, and not only did he write every episode, but he also created an entirely new universe. This, I believe, is what people should take away from his work – a feeling of ‘I’ve never seen anything like this before!’

The crime drama titled “Dope Thief” is set to premiere on Apple TV+ from March 14, 2025. To catch it, follow the link provided below:

[Link to Apple TV+]

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2025-03-11 22:31