The Big Cigar

Last updated
The Big Cigar
The Big Cigar Logo Cast.png
Genre
Based onThe Big Cigar
by Joshuah Bearman
Developed byJim Hecht
Directed by
  • Don Cheadle [1]
  • Damon Thomas [1]
  • Tiffany Johnson [1]
Starring
Composer Robert Glasper [2]
Country of origin
Original languageEnglish
No. of episodes3
Production
Executive producers
Producers
Cinematography
Editors
  • John Peter Bernardo
  • Avril Beukes
  • Kyle Bond
  • Rebecca Valente
Running time45–50 minutes [5]
Production companies
Original release
Network Apple TV+
ReleaseMay 17, 2024 (2024-05-17) –
present

The Big Cigar is a biographical drama thriller miniseries developed by Jim Hecht, based on the 2012 Playboy article of the same name by Joshuah Bearman. [6] [7] Following the events of the Black Panther Party in 1970s, the series is about party founder Huey P. Newton escaping from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to Cuba with the help of Bert Schneider for an elaborate plan.

Contents

The miniseries stars André Holland, Alessandro Nivola, Tiffany Boone, P. J. Byrne, and Marc Menchaca. The Big Cigar premiered its first two episodes on Apple TV+ on May 17, 2024, [8] and received mixed reviews from critics.

Premise

Set in 1974, [9] the series chronicles the manhunt for Huey P. Newton, the founder of the Black Panther Party, who seeks the help of film producer Bert Schneider as he tries to escape to Cuba.

Cast

Main

Guest

Episodes

No.Title  [6] Directed byTeleplay by  [6] Original release date  [10]
1"Panther/Producer" Don Cheadle [11] Jim HechtMay 17, 2024 (2024-05-17)
Excited on his overturned conviction, Huey P. Newton reignites a revolution and meets an unexpected donor.
2"The Cuban"Don Cheadle [11] Janine Sherman Barrois & Jim HechtMay 17, 2024 (2024-05-17)
Huey and Bert's bold plan falls into place. Huey attempts to move the Black Panther Party away from armed confrontation.
3"Guns & Matzah"Damon ThomasLaurence Andries & Gwendolyn M. ParkerMay 24, 2024 (2024-05-24)
Huey and Eldridge stand divided. Bert and Steve clash over Huey. The road to Cuba becomes increasingly treacherous.
4"What Are Friends For?"Damon ThomasJanine Sherman Barrois & Jim HechtMay 31, 2024 (2024-05-31)
A chaotic confrontation leads to a change of plans. Huey and Bobby’s differences come to light. Agent Clark pulls out all the stops.
5"Lost Paradise"Tiffany JohnsonLaurence Andries & Valerie Woods & Ameer HasanJune 7, 2024 (2024-06-07)
6"The Pirate"Tiffany JohnsonJim Hecht & Joshuah Bearman June 14, 2024 (2024-06-14)

Production

It was announced in December 2012 that Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris were set to direct the project for Sony Pictures, at the time developed as a film, with Joshuah Bearman, author of the source article, and Jim Hecht set to write the screenplay. [12]

The project, now a miniseries, was given a greenlight from Apple TV+ in April 2022, with André Holland cast to star. Don Cheadle was announced to be directing the first two episodes in addition to executive producing. [11] In June, Tiffany Boone and Alessandro Nivola joined the cast, [13] [14] with Marc Menchaca and P. J. Byrne joining the next month. [15] [16] In August, Jordane Christie, Moses Ingram, Olli Haaskivi and Glynn Turman were cast to recur in the series. [17] [18] [19] [20] Additional recurring cast including Jaime Ray Newman and Noah Emmerich was announced in September. [21]

Filming for the series began in Toronto in June 2022, as revealed by showrunner Janine Sherman Barrois. [22] By August, production was occurring throughout Hamilton, Ontario, where Hamilton City Hall was being used as a double for San Francisco International Airport. [23]

Reception

Critical response

On Variety , author Aramide Tinubu wrote that, "André Holland is stellar as Huey P. Newton, but 'The Big Cigar' never ignites". [24]

Judy Berman of Time Magazine gave a favorable review and wrote, "That Newton’s wariness of mass culture frames the story from the very beginning is a sign that viewers are in for something much smarter, bolder, and more challenging than the entertainment industry’s typical, sanitized take on radical politics". [25]

Elisa Guimaraes of Collider gave the series 3 out of 4 stars. She praised Holland for his depiction of Huey P. Newton. [26]

The Guardian writer Ellen E. Jones also gave the show 3 out of 5 star rating. She criticized "that Hollywood can’t be trusted to tell the stories of Black radicals". [27]

Richard Roeper from the Chicago Sun-Times wrote a favorable review about the actor André Holland stating that he "does a brilliant job of capturing the complicated and charismatic Black Panthers co-founder". [28]

Nadir Samara from Screen Rant gave the series a average review of a 3 out of 5 stars, stating that the series is decent but critized the script due to it being "all over the place, neither the story nor the performance hit their peaks". [29]

Rory Doherty from Paste Magazine wrote that the series "is a slick caper that only superficially grasps its history lesson". [30]

On Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned a score of 61 out of 100, based on 18 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews". [31]

On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the series holds an approval rating of 72% with an average rating of 6.5/10, based on 29 reviews. The website's critics consensus reads, "A magnetic performance from André Holland gets The Big Cigar close to lighting up, but a lack of narrative focus slightly dampens the spark." [32]

Notes

  1. ↑ Sources differ regarding the country or countries of origin. Some indicate that the United States is the sole country of origin, while others list it as a co-production of the United States and Canada. [3] [4]
  2. 1 2 3 4 co-executive
  3. ↑ supervising producer

Related Research Articles

Janine Sherman Barrois is an American television writer, producer, and showrunner. She is known for her work on ER, Third Watch and Criminal Minds. From 2017 to 2022, she executive produced crime comedy-drama Claws on TNT. She also produced Netflix miniseries Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker, the Oprah Winfrey Network prime time soap opera, The Kings of Napa, and Apple TV+ thriller The Big Cigar. She owned production banner, Folding Chair Prods., which she launched at Warner Bros. Television Group in 2015.

Big Little Lies is an American black comedy drama television series based on the 2014 novel of the same name by Liane Moriarty. Created and written by David E. Kelley, it aired on HBO from February 19, 2017, to July 21, 2019, encompassing 14 episodes and two seasons. Originally billed as a miniseries, Jean-Marc Vallée directed the first season, while Andrea Arnold directed the second season. In November 2023, Nicole Kidman stated a third season would be made.

Amirah Charline Vann is an American actress and singer. She began her career on the Off-Broadway stage before starring in the WGN America period drama series, Underground (2016—2017), for which she received NAACP Image Award nomination. She later starred as attorney Tegan Price in the ABC legal thriller series, How to Get Away with Murder (2017—2020). In 2022, Vann starred in the period romantic drama film, A Jazzman's Blues.

<i>For All Mankind</i> (TV series) 2019 American science fiction drama

For All Mankind is an American science fiction drama television series created by Ronald D. Moore, Matt Wolpert, and Ben Nedivi and produced for Apple TV+. The series dramatizes an alternate history depicting "what would have happened if the global space race had never ended" after the Soviet Union succeeds in the first crewed Moon landing ahead of the United States. The title is inspired by the lunar plaque left on the Moon by the crew of Apollo 11, which reads, in part, "We Came in Peace for All Mankind".

<i>Dickinson</i> (TV series) American comedy television series

Dickinson is an American comedy-drama television series about Emily Dickinson, created by Alena Smith and produced for Apple TV+. Starring Hailee Steinfeld as Emily Dickinson, the series aired for 30 episodes over three seasons from November 1, 2019, to December 24, 2021.

<i>The Underground Railroad</i> (miniseries) American drama streaming television miniseries

The Underground Railroad is an American historical drama limited television series created and directed by Barry Jenkins based on the 2016 novel of the same name by Colson Whitehead. The series premiered on Amazon Prime Video on May 14, 2021.

<i>Kraven the Hunter</i> (film) Upcoming superhero film by J. C. Chandor

Kraven the Hunter is an upcoming American superhero film featuring the Marvel Comics character of the same name. Produced by Columbia Pictures in association with Marvel Entertainment, Arad Productions, and Matt Tolmach Productions, and distributed by Sony Pictures Releasing, it is intended to be the sixth film in Sony's Spider-Man Universe (SSU). The film was directed by J. C. Chandor from a screenplay by Richard Wenk and the writing team of Art Marcum and Matt Holloway. It stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson in the title role alongside Ariana DeBose, Fred Hechinger, Alessandro Nivola, Christopher Abbott, and Russell Crowe.

<i>P-Valley</i> 2020 American drama television series

P-Valley is an American drama television series created by Katori Hall, an adaptation of Hall's play Pussy Valley, and follows primarily African-American women working at The Pynk strip club in the Mississippi Delta under the directorship of the non-binary Uncle Clifford Sayles, along with businessman negotiating the construction of a casino and aspiring rappers. It stars Brandee Evans, Nicco Annan, J. Alphonse Nicholson, and Elarica Johnson. It premiered on Starz on July 12, 2020, and was renewed for a second season two weeks after its premiere. The second season premiered on June 3, 2022. In October 2022, the series was renewed for a third season.

Monique Denise Ingram, known professionally as Moses Ingram, is an American actress. She is best known for her role as Jolene in the Netflix miniseries The Queen's Gambit (2020). For this role, she was nominated for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie. She is also known for her role as Reva Sevander/the Third Sister in the Disney+ miniseries Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022).

And Just Like That... is an American comedy-drama television series developed by Michael Patrick King for Max. It is a revival and a sequel of the HBO television series Sex and the City created by Darren Star, which is based on Candace Bushnell's newspaper column and 1996 book anthology of the same name.

<i>Emancipation</i> (2022 film) 2022 film by Antoine Fuqua

Emancipation is a 2022 American historical action thriller film directed by Antoine Fuqua, written by William N. Collage, and co-produced by Will Smith, who stars as a runaway slave headed for Baton Rouge, Louisiana in the 1860s, after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation to end slavery in secessionist Confederate states, surviving the swamps while being chased by slave catchers and their dogs. Ben Foster stars as a ruthless slave hunter and Charmaine Bingwa as an enslaved wife and mother.

<i>Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty</i> American sports drama television series

Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty is an American sports drama television series created by Max Borenstein and Jim Hecht for HBO, based on the book Showtime: Magic, Kareem, Riley, and the Los Angeles Lakers Dynasty of the 1980s by Jeff Pearlman. The first season, comprising 10 episodes, chronicles the 1980s Showtime era of the Los Angeles Lakers basketball team, featuring notable NBA stars Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. It features an ensemble cast led by John C. Reilly, Jason Clarke, Jason Segel, Gaby Hoffmann, Rob Morgan, and Adrien Brody. The series premiered on March 6, 2022, with the pilot episode directed by Adam McKay. In April 2022, the series was renewed for a second season, which premiered on August 6, 2023. On September 17, 2023, it was announced that the series was canceled after 2 seasons.

<i>Invasion</i> (2021 TV series) American science fiction television series

Invasion is an American science fiction television series created by Simon Kinberg and David Weil that premiered on Apple TV+ on October 22, 2021. It is shown in English, Japanese, and the Pashto language. It has received a mixed critical response, praising the acting, music and pacing, but criticizing the underuse of the aliens. In Germany the show is not published as Invasion but is called Infiltration It was renewed for a second season in December 2021, which premiered on August 23, 2023. It was renewed for a third season in February 2024.

<i>Loot</i> (TV series) American comedy television series

Loot is an American comedy television series created by Matt Hubbard and Alan Yang that premiered on June 24, 2022, on Apple TV+. It follows newly single 45-year-old Molly Wells, whose divorce from her tech billionaire ex-husband has made her the third-wealthiest woman in the world, as she decides to run the day-to-day of the charitable foundation she forgot she founded, much to its employees' chagrin.

<i>Palm Royale</i> 2024 comedy-drama television miniseries

Palm Royale is a period comedy-drama television miniseries created by Abe Sylvia, based on the 2018 novel Mr. & Mrs. American Pie by Juliet McDaniel. The series premiered on March 20, 2024, with the first three episodes on Apple TV+.

Sugar is an American mystery drama television series created by Mark Protosevich with Fernando Meirelles directing 5 episodes and Adam Arkin directing 3 episodes. The series stars Colin Farrell, who also serves as executive producer. It premiered on Apple TV+ on April 5, 2024.

Olli Haaskivi is a Finnish-American actor.

References

  1. 1 2 3 "The Big Cigar - Cast and Crew - Apple TV+" (Press release). Apple TV+. Retrieved 2024-05-15.
  2. ↑ The Big Cigar - Film Music Reporter
  3. 1 2 3 4 "The Big Cigar (TV Miniseries)". FilmAffinity.
  4. ↑ "Watch The Big Cigar - Apple TV+". Apple TV+.
  5. ↑ Martin, Peter (2024-05-16). "Now Streaming Review: THE BIG CIGAR, Rude, Rowdy, Righteous". Screen Anarchy . Retrieved 2024-05-16.
  6. 1 2 3 "The Big Cigar". Writers Guild of America West . January 3, 2023. Retrieved May 20, 2023.
  7. ↑ Petski, Denise (2024-03-14). "'The Big Cigar': Premiere Date & First Look At André Holland As Black Panther Leader Huey P. Newton In Apple Limited Series". Deadline. Retrieved 2024-03-14.
  8. ↑ Goldberg, Lesley (December 26, 2022). "The 10 Most Anticipated New Scripted TV Shows Coming in 2023". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved July 29, 2023.
  9. ↑ Topel, Fred (2024-05-15). "'Big Cigar' cast looks back on Black Panthers leader's flight to Cuba". UPI . Retrieved 2024-05-15.
  10. ↑ "Shows A-Z – The Big Cigar on Apple TV+". The Futon Critic . Retrieved March 19, 2024.
  11. 1 2 3 White, Peter (April 7, 2022). "André Holland Set To Star As Black Panther Boss Huey Newton In The Big Cigar For Apple From Janine Sherman Barrois, Don Cheadle, Jim Hecht & Warner Bros. TV". Deadline Hollywood . Retrieved 15 June 2022.
  12. ↑ Fleming, Mike Jr. (December 12, 2012). "Jonathan Dayton & Valerie Faris Attached To Helm Huey Newton Pic The Big Cigar". Deadline Hollywood . Retrieved 18 June 2022.
  13. ↑ Petski, Denise (June 15, 2022). "Tiffany Boone Joins Andre Holland In Apple's Huey P. Newton Limited Series". Deadline Hollywood . Retrieved 15 June 2022.
  14. ↑ Kroll, Justin (June 27, 2022). "Alessandro Nivola To Co-Star With André Holland in The Apple Original Limited Series The Big Cigar". Deadline Hollywood . Retrieved 27 June 2022.
  15. ↑ Grobar, Matt (July 5, 2022). "Ozark Actor Marc Menchaca Joins Apple TV+'s The Big Cigar As Series Regular". Deadline Hollywood . Retrieved 5 July 2022.
  16. ↑ Otterson, Joe (July 6, 2022). "Apple's Huey P. Newton Series Big Cigar Casts P.J. Byrne as Steve Blauner (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety . Retrieved 6 July 2022.
  17. ↑ Grobar, Matt (August 1, 2022). "The Big Cigar: Jordane Christie Joins Apple TV+'s Huey P. Newton Series As Recurring". Deadline Hollywood . Retrieved 1 August 2022.
  18. ↑ Grobar, Matt (August 2, 2022). "Obi-Wan Kenobis Moses Ingram Joins Apple's Limited Series The Big Cigar As Recurring". Deadline Hollywood . Retrieved 2 August 2022.
  19. ↑ Grobar, Matt (August 18, 2022). "The Big Cigar: Oppenheimers Olli Haaskivi Latest To Join Apple Series As Recurring". Deadline Hollywood . Retrieved 18 August 2022.
  20. ↑ Grobar, Matt (August 19, 2022). "The Big Cigar: Emmy Winner Glynn Turman To Play Huey P. Newton's Father In Apple TV+ Series". Deadline Hollywood . Retrieved 19 August 2022.
  21. ↑ Grobar, Matt (September 1, 2022). "The Big Cigar: Jaime Ray Newman, Noah Emmerich, John Doman, Chris Brochu & Breton Edwards Allen Round Out Cast Of Apple Series In Recurring Roles". Deadline Hollywood . Retrieved 1 September 2022.
  22. ↑ Janine Sherman Barrois on Instagram: @doncheadle @nicoleburkead & #moi #toronto #thebigcigar
  23. ↑ Nolan, Daniel (August 12, 2022). "Apple TV+'s The Big Cigar brings Black Panther Party's Huey P. Newton to Hamilton". The Hamilton Spectator . Retrieved 1 September 2022.
  24. ↑ Tinubu, Aramide (May 17, 2024). "'The Big Cigar' Review: Huey Newton Series Doesn't Center the Activist". Variety. Retrieved May 17, 2024.
  25. ↑ Berman, Judy (May 16, 2024). "Black Panthers Meet New Hollywood in the Bold, Thrilling Series The Big Cigar". Time . Retrieved May 17, 2024.
  26. ↑ Guimaraes, Elisa (May 16, 2024). "'The Big Cigar' Review: Apple TV+ Miniseries Is More Political Drama Than Wild Caper". Collider . Retrieved May 17, 2024.
  27. ↑ Jones, Ellen E. (May 17, 2024). "The Big Cigar review – proof that Hollywood can't be trusted to tell the stories of Black radicals". The Guardian . Retrieved May 17, 2024.
  28. ↑ Roeper, Richard (May 16, 2024). "In well-made series 'The Big Cigar,' Huey P. Newton plots 'Argo'-style escape to Cuba". Chicago Sun-Times . Retrieved May 17, 2024.
  29. ↑ Samara, Nadir (May 16, 2024). "The Big Cigar Review: Apple TV+'s Take On The Manhunt For Huey Newton Doesn't Always Land". Screen Rant . Retrieved May 17, 2024.
  30. ↑ Doherty, Rory (May 16, 2024). "The Big Cigar Is a Slick Caper That Only Superficially Grasps Its History Lesson". Paste Magazine . Retrieved May 17, 2024.
  31. ↑ "The Big Cigar". Metacritic . Fandom, Inc. Retrieved May 17, 2024.
  32. ↑ "The Big Cigar". Rotten Tomatoes . Fandango Media . Retrieved May 21, 2024.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.