Dope Thief Author Explains Importance of Filming Apple TV+ Adaptation in Philadelphia

Author and former emergency room worker Dennis Tafoya recently shared the inspiration behind his novel, Dope Thief, which has now been made into a series on Apple TV+. Tafoya recalled a poignant memory from his time working in a hospital in Doylestown, Philadelphia in the 1980s. A tragic incident involving a burn victim in a farmhouse-turned-meth lab sparked the idea for his novel.

The series, also titled Dope Thief, is written, directed, and executive produced by Peter Craig, known for his work on the screenplay for the crime thriller The Town. Legendary filmmaker Ridley Scott serves as an executive producer on the show and directed the pilot episode. The story follows two best friends, Ray and Manny, played by Brian Tyree Henry and Wagner Moura, as they impersonate DEA agents to steal money from small-time drug dealers.

Tafoya also revealed that executive producer Scott fell in love with Philadelphia, where the series is set, describing the city as “magnetic.” The decision to shoot the adaptation in Philadelphia added an authentic touch to the story, bringing the characters and setting to life in a compelling way.