“It’s a crazier than fiction true story”: Alessandro Nivola, PJ Byrne and André Holland on The Big Cigar

The Big Cigar is a new six-part biographical drama based on an article printed in 2012 in Playboy of the same name by Joshuah Bearman. Written by Jim Hecht, the story follows the FBI manhunt for Huey P Newton (André Holland), an African American political activist who created and fronted up the Black Panther Party as he runs from the police after being accused of the murder of a young woman. With help from two executive Hollywood producers who use their connections to feign the production of a major Hollywood movie, he flees to Cuba and away from his family to try and elude the authorities.

This action-packed series is set in the 70s and is underpinned by a music score reminiscent of the era. The story arc brings in threads of romance and humour against the unstable political unrest, inequality and racism that brought about social revolution during this time. Performances from Alessandro Nivola as Bert Schneider and PJ Byrne as Steve Blauner also bring to screen the corrupt side of Hollywood and the radical views of individuals that started to bring about change.

The Upcoming had the pleasure of speaking to Alessandro Nivola and PJ Byrne about their respective roles, what people can expect from the series and what it was like being part of this intriguing story.

We also chatted to André Holland about his role as Huey, what drew him to the script, working with his fellow cast and the driving force behind the character he represented.

Ezelle Alblas

The Big Cigar is released on Apple TV+ on 17^th May 2024.

Watch the trailer for The Big Cigar here: