Author Dennis Tafoya’s ‘Dope Thief’ Becomes AppleTV+ Series

PHILADELPHIA, PA – Author Dennis Tafoya’s novel, Dope Thief, is making waves as it has been adapted into a new series on AppleTV+. The series, which premiered recently, is executive produced by acclaimed filmmaker Ridley Scott and is set in the heart of Philadelphia.

Tafioya, who drew inspiration from his 1980s experience as an emergency room worker in Doylestown, recalled a tragic incident that shaped his writing. One night, a call about a fire at a meth lab in a farmhouse led to a burn victim declining care, ultimately dying. This moment stayed with Tafoya and sparked the idea for Dope Thief.

The show unfolds the story of two best friends, Ray (played by Brian Tyree Henry) and Manny (played by Wagner Moura), who impersonate DEA agents to rob small-time drug dealers. Their plan goes south when they target a meth lab in Bucks County, connected to a major drug operation, and inadvertently set it ablaze.

According to Tafoya, who now resides in Lambertville, the entire process of seeing his book transformed into a series has been surreal. He credits his agent, Brooke Ehrlich, as instrumental in bringing the project to AppleTV+. Although Tafoya expressed initial skepticism about the book’s impact, he was thrilled when executives expressed interest in adapting it.

Peter Craig, the writer and director of the series, introduced new elements, such as an undercover DEA agent portrayed by Marin Ireland, who survives the fire and pursues the main characters. Tafoya served as a consultant and collaborated with Craig to ensure the story remained authentic to Philadelphia’s crime scene.

The production team initially considered filming in Chicago but changed their mind after Ridley Scott fell in love with Philadelphia’s neighborhoods, particularly Kensington. Significant landmarks across the city, including City Hall and the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, feature prominently in the series.

Furthermore, Kate Mulgrew, known for her role in Orange Is the New Black, portrays Ray’s mother, Teresa, a character inspired by Tafoya’s own grandmother. Her portrayal captures the essence and accent of Philadelphia.

Tafoya expressed joy in seeing more productions spotlighting Philadelphia, stating, “There’s something about Philadelphia that is just magnetic.” The season finale of Dope Thief is set to air on AppleTV+ on Friday.