Taron Egerton stars in Apple TV+ crime thriller Smoke, a new series set to debut in late June, where the acclaimed Welsh actor takes on the role of a firefighter with hidden motives as he hunts serial arsonists in a small Pacific Northwest town. The show arrives with promises of suspense and moral complexity, as Egerton’s character faces shifting allegiances and deep personal secrets.
Egerton Leads a Suspense-Filled Investigation
Anticipation is building for Smoke as audiences prepare for the premiere of this thriller led by Taron Egerton, known for roles in both the Carry-On films and dramatic productions. The series, created by Dennis Lehane and inspired by the podcast Firebug, draws from the true crimes of John Leonard Orr, a notorious arsonist and former firefighter. Egerton stars alongside Jurnee Smollett, John Leguizamo, and Greg Kinnear in a tightly woven narrative that spins away from straightforward heroics and into the shadows of human motivation.
Appearing on Good Morning America, Egerton discussed the layered nature of his character, Dave Gudsen, revealing that fans will be pulled into a case involving not one but two serial arsonists—reflecting a departure from the real-life actions of Orr, who acted alone. The dynamic between Gudsen and Smollett’s character, Detective Michelle Calderon, is central as the two attempt to bring the arsonists to justice.
When asked about his role, Egerton stated:
“It’s a funny position for me, because I’ve got my orders from Apple TV, which are I’m the hero. You find me at the start of the show as a good guy trying to do a good job at work. I’m hunting for two serial arsonists in a town in the Pacific Northwest. But what you very quickly learn is that I have a few little dark secrets of my own. This show goes quite strange, quite quickly.”
—Taron Egerton, Actor
This comment hints at the complexity awaiting viewers, as Gudsen’s journey may blur the lines between good and evil, providing an energized and passionate narrative throughout the season.
Authenticity Takes Center Stage with Practical Fire Effects
Smoke raises the bar for authenticity by forgoing heavy CGI in favor of real, controlled flames during production. This decision brought both risk and realism to the set, heightening the intensity for the actors. The creative choice, demanded by showrunner Dennis Lehane—who previously collaborated with Egerton on Black Bird—ensured that scenes carried genuine tension and visible effects.
Egerton explained the experience in detail:
“Dennis Lehane, our showrunner who I worked with on Black Bird four years ago […] we’re reuniting for this, and it’s his second outing as showrunner. He insisted that we do it all practically. So all the flames are real, and it looks beautiful in the show, but, yeah, it was a lot. All that breathing apparatus, it’s all real. The crew were all wearing the same stuff because the fumes were poisonous.”
—Taron Egerton, Actor
This dedication to realism not only challenged the cast and crew, including key figures like Greg Kinnear, Rafe Spall, and John Leguizamo, but also serves to immerse the audience fully in the high-stakes world Lehane has constructed.
Introducing the Ensemble Cast and Key Characters
Smoke’s ensemble features Taron Egerton as Dave Gudsen, a firefighter with mysterious motivations. Jurnee Smollett appears as Detective Michelle Calderon, determined to solve the town’s arson cases. John Leguizamo joins the show as Esposito, while Rafe Spall plays the role of Steven Burk, with Greg Kinnear rounding out the prominent cast members. Each actor contributes to the mounting tension in the Pacific Northwest setting, as secrets and suspicions threaten every victory in the pursuit of the criminals.
Release Plans and What to Watch for Next
The premiere of Smoke is set for June 27 on Apple TV+, with the first two episodes released simultaneously and subsequent episodes arriving weekly, culminating in the finale on August 15. As viewers follow Dave Gudsen’s journey, they can anticipate unexpected twists—especially as the line between hero and suspect is tested.
Following Smoke, Taron Egerton will appear in another crime thriller, She Rides Shotgun, scheduled for theatrical release on August 1, where he portrays a man navigating life on the run alongside his estranged daughter.
The launch of Smoke brings heightened energy and a passionate approach to serialized crime storytelling. As secrets unravel and loyalties waver, the show promises a compelling exploration of trust, heroism, and the human cost behind the pursuit of justice.
