Wagner Moura Shines in Apple TV's Acclaimed Crime Thriller 'Dope Thief'

The Brazilian actor's powerful performance in the 87% RT series has viewers hooked even a year after its release.

Feb. 2, 2026 at 7:07pm

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Before earning an Oscar nomination for his role in The Secret Agent, Wagner Moura delivered a standout performance in the critically acclaimed Apple TV crime drama Dope Thief. The eight-episode series, which aired in 2025, follows two best friends, Manny (Moura) and Ray (Brian Tyree Henry), who get caught up in a dangerous drug operation after their small-time robbery scheme goes awry. Moura's portrayal of the troubled Manny, struggling with addiction and the weight of his criminal choices, has been widely praised, with the actor showcasing his impressive range and ability to create a compelling, complex character.

Why it matters

Dope Thief has been hailed as a gritty, adrenaline-fueled crime thriller that elevates the genre with its strong character development and themes of family, trauma, and the consequences of bad decisions. Moura's performance as the lead has been a major factor in the series' critical success and ongoing popularity on streaming, further cementing the actor's status as one of the most talented and versatile performers working today.

The details

Adapted from the 2009 novel by Dennis Tafoya, Dope Thief follows Manny and Ray, two best friends in Philadelphia who devise a scheme to pose as DEA agents and rob local drug dealers. However, their plan goes awry when they get caught up in a larger drug operation that puts them in over their heads. Moura's Manny is a complex character, battling addiction and trying to build a better life for himself, even as he's drawn deeper into a world of violence and criminality. The series balances the gritty action and brutality with moments of dark humor and poignant exploration of the characters' relationships and motivations.

  • Dope Thief aired on Apple TV from March to April 2025.
  • The series was released nearly a year ago, but is still surging in popularity on streaming.

The players

Wagner Moura

A Brazilian actor who has gained critical acclaim for his roles in series like Narcos and The Secret Agent, and delivers a powerful, nuanced performance as the lead character Manny in Dope Thief.

Brian Tyree Henry

An Emmy-nominated actor who stars alongside Moura as Manny's best friend Ray, with the two leads creating an authentic and compelling on-screen chemistry.

Dope Thief

An Apple TV crime drama series adapted from the 2009 novel by Dennis Tafoya, which follows two friends caught up in a dangerous drug operation.

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The takeaway

Wagner Moura's standout performance in Dope Thief showcases his impressive range and ability to create complex, compelling characters, further cementing his status as one of the most talented actors working today. The series' critical acclaim and ongoing popularity on streaming highlight the power of character-driven crime dramas that go beyond traditional genre tropes.