“The Big Cigar” is a biographical drama thriller miniseries that brings to life one of the most intriguing stories of the 1970s. Developed by Jim Hecht and based on the 2012 Playboy article of the same name by Joshuah Bearman, the series captures the dramatic events surrounding the Black Panther Party, focusing on its founder, Huey P. Newton, and his escape from the FBI to Cuba with the help of film producer Bert Schneider.
The Big Cigar Hollywood Mini Series on Apple TV+
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The Big Cigar Hollywood Mini Series Plot Summary:
Set in 1974, “The Big Cigar” chronicles the intense manhunt for Huey P. Newton, who seeks the help of Bert Schneider to escape to Cuba. Newton, a key figure in the Black Panther Party, becomes a target for the FBI after being convicted of murder and assault. The series explores the elaborate and risky plan devised by Newton and Schneider to evade capture, showcasing the era’s political and social turmoil.
The Big Cigar Hollywood Mini Series Cast:
Main Cast:
- André Holland as Huey P. Newton: The founder of the Black Panther Party, portrayed as a charismatic and complex leader.
- Alessandro Nivola as Bert Schneider: A film and television producer who becomes Newton’s unlikely ally in his escape plan.
- Tiffany Boone as Gwen Fontaine: Newton’s supportive wife and a dedicated party member.
- P. J. Byrne as Stephen Blauner: Bert’s business partner and childhood friend, who assists in the escape plan.
- Marc Menchaca as Sydney Clark: An FBI agent disguised as a hippie, determined to capture Newton.
Recurring Cast:
- Thamela Mpumlwana as Lil Bobby Hutton
- Moses Ingram as Teressa Dixon: A resourceful young member of the Black Panther Party.
- Jaime Ray Newman as Roz Torrance
- Jordane Christie as Bobby Seale: Co-founder of the Black Panther Party.
- Inny Clemons as Richard Pryor
- Olli Haaskivi as Arthur A. Ross: A film and screenwriter working with Schneider.
- Noah Emmerich as Stanley Schneider: Bert’s brother.
- James Cade as Agent Anderson
Guest Appearances:
- Glynn Turman as Walter Newton: Huey P. Newton’s father.
- Brenton Allen as Eldridge Cleaver: An early leader of the Black Panther Party.
- Michael Mașini as Gregory Lipton
- Chris Brochu as Dennis Hopper
- Rebecca Dalton as Jessica
- John Doman as Abe Schneider: Bert’s father.
- Owen Roth as Jack Nicholson
- Manuel Rodriguez Saenz as Tajo
- Hudson Wurster as Michael Torrance
- Al McFoster as Ceddy
- Taylor Jackson as Candice Bergen
- Liz Adjei as Betty Shabazz
- Brian Jansen as Warren Winkle
The Big Cigar Hollywood Mini Series Production Details:
The journey of “The Big Cigar” from a film project to a miniseries began in December 2012 when Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris were initially set to direct a film adaptation. The project was later developed into a miniseries by Apple TV+ in April 2022, with André Holland cast as the lead. The series was directed by Don Cheadle, Damon Thomas, and Tiffany Johnson.
Filming commenced in Toronto in June 2022, with additional production in Hamilton, Ontario. Hamilton City Hall was notably used as a stand-in for San Francisco International Airport.
Trailer: The Big Cigar Hollywood Mini Series
A thrilling trailer for “The Big Cigar” is available on Apple TV+ and YouTube, providing a glimpse into the intense drama and suspense that characterize the series.
Where to Watch:
“The Big Cigar” is available exclusively on Apple TV+. All six episodes can be streamed on the platform.
Here are the Apple TV+ Link to Watch: “The Big Cigar”.
The Big Cigar Hollywood Mini Series Director:
The series boasts an impressive lineup of directors, including Don Cheadle, Damon Thomas, and Tiffany Johnson.
The Big Cigar Hollywood Mini Series Writer:
The teleplay was penned by Jim Hecht, with contributions from Janine Sherman Barrois, Laurence Andries, Gwendolyn M. Parker, Valerie Woods, and Ameer Hasan.
Episodes:
- “Panther/Producer” (Directed by Don Cheadle, Teleplay by Jim Hecht) – May 17, 2024
- Huey P. Newton, following his overturned conviction, reignites a revolution and finds an unexpected donor.
- “The Cuban” (Directed by Don Cheadle, Teleplay by Janine Sherman Barrois & Jim Hecht) – May 17, 2024
- Huey and Bert’s bold plan begins to take shape as Huey attempts to move the Black Panther Party away from armed confrontation.
- “Guns & Matzah” (Directed by Damon Thomas, Teleplay by Laurence Andries & Gwendolyn M. Parker) – May 24, 2024
- Huey and Eldridge clash, and the path to Cuba becomes increasingly dangerous.
- “What Are Friends For?” (Directed by Damon Thomas, Teleplay by Janine Sherman Barrois & Jim Hecht) – May 31, 2024
- A chaotic confrontation changes plans, exposing differences between Huey and Bobby, while Agent Clark intensifies his efforts.
- “Lost Paradise” (Directed by Tiffany Johnson, Teleplay by Laurence Andries, Valerie Woods & Ameer Hasan) – June 7, 2024
- Clark pressures the Mexican government, tragedy strikes Bert, and Huey receives life-changing news.
- “The Pirate” (Directed by Tiffany Johnson, Teleplay by Jim Hecht & Joshuah Bearman) – June 14, 2024
- Bert works to prove his loyalty, Gwen inspires a grand gesture, and Huey’s legacy endures.
Languages:
The original language of the series is English.
FAQs: (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What is “The Big Cigar” about?
“The Big Cigar” is a biographical drama thriller miniseries that follows Huey P. Newton’s escape to Cuba with the help of film producer Bert Schneider.
2. Who stars in “The Big Cigar”?
The main cast includes André Holland, Alessandro Nivola, Tiffany Boone, P. J. Byrne, and Marc Menchaca.
3. When did “The Big Cigar” premiere?
The series premiered on Apple TV+ on May 17, 2024.
4. How many episodes are in “The Big Cigar”?
The series consists of six episodes.
5. Who directed the episodes of “The Big Cigar”?
The episodes were directed by Don Cheadle, Damon Thomas, and Tiffany Johnson.
6. What is the setting of “The Big Cigar”?
The series is set in 1974 and focuses on the manhunt for Huey P. Newton.
7. Who composed the music for “The Big Cigar”?
The music was composed by Robert Glasper.
8. Where was “The Big Cigar” filmed?
Filming took place in Toronto and Hamilton, Ontario.
9. Who are some of the recurring cast members?
Recurring cast includes Thamela Mpumlwana, Moses Ingram, Jaime Ray Newman, Jordane Christie, Inny Clemons, Olli Haaskivi, and Noah Emmerich.
10. How has “The Big Cigar” been received by critics?
The series has received generally positive reviews for its gripping storytelling, strong performances, and historical accuracy.
Conclusion:
“The Big Cigar” is a must-watch for fans of historical dramas and thrillers. With its compelling plot, stellar cast, and high production values, the series offers an engaging and thought-provoking look at a pivotal moment in American history. Available exclusively on Apple TV+, “The Big Cigar” invites viewers to immerse themselves in the dramatic and tumultuous world of the 1970s.
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