Wagner Moura is Dope Thief’s Manny
Brazilian actor Wagner Moura has done his fair share of weighty, high impact storytelling, and brand-new series Dope Thief is no different. Known for his portrayal of Pablo Escobar in Narcos and excellent performance as war journalist Joel in A24’s Civil War, Moura now pulls both laughs and tears from his audience as Manny. The thriller, executive produced by Ridley Scott, premiered on Apple TV+ earlier this month and depicts the trials and tribulations of two small-time criminals whose exploits quickly spiral out of control, landing them in hot water. Moura discusses the complexities of the Dope Thief world and his time filming the show below.
You are no stranger to playing complex characters in high stakes situations, with Narcos and Civil War among your past projects. How was Dope Thief different?
I think what makes Manny very different from Civil War’s Joel and Narcos’ Pablo Escobar is that he doesn’t want to be in a high-stakes situation. Joel is a combat journalist addicted to war and Pablo is the most notorious drug dealer of all time. Manny is just another latino immigrant that grew up being told he doesn’t value much. Ray and Manny are two adults that behave as teenagers, as if they are frozen at age sixteen when they were incarcerated for the first time. Manny is not good at what he does like Joel and Pablo; he doesn’t want to be there.
What draws you to these kinds of intense stories and characters?
The character is always the most important thing. What does this character reveal about myself? How deep can I go? I also like to see the political aspects of a character’s universe. What am I going to learn with this particular social-political project?
You’ve described Manny as someone in search of escape, whether that’s through religion, drugs, or something else. How did you approach bringing that internal struggle to life?
Manny is like a Greek Tragedy character that walks blindly to a tragic fate. He tries everything to stop the cycle of violence he sees himself engulfed in - religion, drugs, his devotion to Sherry. I have a profound love and empathy for him.
Blue Blazer by Brioni
White Trouser by Brioni
Striped Shirt by Brioni
Tie by Brioni
Watch by IWC Schaffhausen
What was the most challenging part of portraying Manny?
Ridley Scott and Peter Craig called me on a Friday and asked me to be on set filming on Monday. My natural instinct was to say no; I’ve always taken preparation very seriously. But at the same time I’d been wanting to experiment a looser approach. So I went to Philadelphia to play Manny with that loose mindset; to show up, connect with Brian, listen to him and have fun. The first week was harder because Ridley shoots very fast, with six cameras, but I prepared my mind not to suffer and enjoy the ride. On week two I was already understanding Manny, the show, and its pace. It was a great experience.
Manny and Ray have a fascinating dynamic. Did you and Brian Tyree Henry do anything off-set to build that chemistry?
When I first met him in person we were already walking to the set as Ray and Manny. I then stopped the walk, took him back to the green room, closed the door, held his hands, looked into his eyes and said: “my name is Wagner, I’m 46 years old, I’m Brazilian, I have three sons…”. Brian then said: “My name is Brian, etc…” It was a really cool moment and we then returned to set to shoot the very first scene of the show which is Ray and Manny in the van.
Navy seersucker suit by Dunhill
Shirt by Canali
Loafers by Beckett Simonon
Watch by OMEGA
Do you see any parallels between themes of desperation and systemic struggle in the show and your incredible work as an advocate against forced labor in real life?
Many people caught up in slave labor are not even aware of their situation. People that don’t know their rights nor their value as human beings. Dope Thief’s main characters are victims of a system that kills and incarcerates mostly Black and Latino men. These characters’ self-esteem is so low they think this is the fate they deserve.
How was it to work with Ridley Scott?
Extraordinary. He’s even more a hero of mine now that I know him.
It’s been mentioned that to unwind from the intensive filming process, the cast explored Philadelphia. Do you have a favorite spot that you encountered while doing so?
Brian loves this city called New Hope, a couple of hours from Philly. We’d go there in the morning, walk around, eat, talk life, buy superfluous stuff, and have ice cream at a place called Moo Hope. Perfect days.
Blue Blazer by Brioni
White Trouser by Brioni
Striped Shirt by Brioni
Tie by Brioni
Watch by IWC Schaffhausen
What would be your dream role?
I played Hamlet on stage almost twenty years ago. That was my dream role since I was fifteen. I now don’t think I still have a dream role, but am always looking for dream processes where you can develop your character in a safe and creative environment with people you admire and love; while taking away beautiful memories, learnings and friendships.
Suit by Factors
Shirt by Factors
Tie by ISAIA
Watch by OMEGA
Shoes by Beckett Simonon
CREW CREDITS:
Talent: Wagner Moura
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director + Photographer: Mike Ruiz
Producer: Alison Hernon
Fashion Stylist: Chloe Keiko Takayanagi at The Wall Group
Groomer: Barbara Guillaume at Forward Artists
Photography Assistants: Ozzie Gutierrez, River Chad
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Logan Dutra, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Location: Hype Studios, SPECIAL THANKS TO HYPE STUDIOS
RELATED STORIES
