The highly anticipated crime drama “Smoke” on Apple TV+ unites an accomplished cast to tell the gripping story of an arson investigation spiraling with unexpected complexity. Led by Taron Egerton, the Taron Egerton Smoke Apple TV+ cast adeptly brings to life creator Dennis Lehane’s intricate plot, rooted in real events and inspired by the true crime podcast “Firebug.”
A Dynamic Story Fueled by Real Crimes
“Smoke” follows arson investigator Dave Gudsen and Detective Michelle Calderon as they pursue two active serial arsonists targeting locations along the West Coast. As they unravel clues and suspects, the reality behind the crimes—and the characters themselves—proves far more tangled than it first appears. The series, crafted by Dennis Lehane who previously helmed “Black Bird,” draws narrative energy from genuine criminal cases, including those of John Leonard Orr, as explored in “Firebug.”
Cutting through twists and motives, the investigators confront not just the city’s most dangerous arsonists but also the shadowy secrets buried in their own lives. The characters orbiting the investigation form a dense web of allies and adversaries, requiring a versatile cast to fully realize the high-stakes drama.
Taron Egerton as Dave Gudsen: The Haunted Investigator
Taron Egerton, hailing from Birkenhead, England, ascended to international fame with his portrayal of Gary “Eggsy” Unwin in “Kingsman: The Secret Service” and its sequel “Kingsman: The Golden Circle.” Egerton earned a Golden Globe for embodying Elton John in “Rocketman,” and further acclaim, including a BAFTA Cymru, for his compelling work on Dennis Lehane’s “Black Bird.”
As Dave Gudsen in “Smoke,” Egerton assumes the role of a dedicated arson investigator driven to catch twin serial arsonists in the Pacific Northwest. While his determination is clear, subtle hints suggest Gudsen carries secrets that may surface as the investigation deepens. Egerton’s resume boasts performances in “Kingsman,” “Rocketman,” and as Jimmy Keene in “Black Bird,” heightening expectations for his latest role.
Jurnee Smollett as Detective Michelle Calderon: Relentless and Resolute
Jurnee Smollett, a New York City native, began her career in childhood televisions hits like “Full House” before rising to prominence as Nicole Wright on “True Blood” and Black Canary in “Birds of Prey.” Her work in “Lovecraft Country” garnered her an Emmy nomination, while recent projects include the crime thriller “The Order.”
Portraying Detective Michelle Calderon, Smollett embodies an investigator ready to probe every lead in partnership with Dave Gudsen. Described as tough and pragmatic, Michelle is committed to solving the case, even as it pushes her into the grayest ethical zones. Smollett’s most notable roles include Eve Batiste in “Eve’s Bayou,” Joanne Carney in “The Order,” and Letitia “Leti” Lewis in “Lovecraft Country.”
Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine as Freddy Fasano: Searching for Change
Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine, born in Hanover, New Hampshire, has built a diverse career across acting, playwriting, photography, and documentary work. Early television roles blossomed into major parts, like Usutu in “Heroes,” Ronnie Davis in “The Chi,” and Detective Raymond Griggs in “The Lincoln Lawyer.”
In “Smoke,” Mwine’s character Freddy Fasano works fast food while yearning to escape his unfulfilling routine. Freddy is inevitably drawn into the show’s broader narrative, revealing the hidden connections that tie ordinary lives to extraordinary events. Mwine brings experience from “The Chi,” “Heroes,” and “The Lincoln Lawyer,” enriching the series’ ensemble.
Hannah Emily Anderson as Ashley Gudsen: A Marriage Under Strain
Canadian actor Hannah Emily Anderson, from Winnipeg, Manitoba, forged her early career with roles in series such as “The L.A. Complex” and “Reign.” Her performances as Eleanor Bonneville in “Jigsaw” and Jenna Betancourt in “The Purge” solidified her standing in the horror and thriller genres, with a key upcoming role as Maria in “Return to Silent Hill.”
As Ashley Gudsen, Anderson plays Dave’s supportive wife who finds herself caught between unwavering allegiance and the unspoken strains emerging from her husband’s consuming investigation. The source of the tension and her precise role in the unraveling case will develop across the season.
John Leguizamo as Esposito: Connections and Mysteries
John Leguizamo, originally from Bogotá, Colombia, entered the spotlight with memorable parts in “Super Mario Bros.” and “Carlito’s Way,” earning an Emmy for the televised version of his Broadway show “Freak.” He has won additional Emmys for roles in “Waco” and “When They See Us,” and remains widely recognized as the voice of Sid in the “Ice Age” franchise.
Leguizamo’s character, Esposito, is an enigmatic ex-cop with a shadowy history and ties to Taron Egerton’s Dave Gudsen. Details about Esposito’s place in the investigation are closely guarded, ensuring suspense as the investigation unfolds.
Rafe Spall as Steven Burke: Torn Between Duty and Desire
British actor Rafe Spall, the son of renowned actor Timothy Spall, broke out in Edgar Wright’s acclaimed Cornetto trilogy and as Yann Martel in “Life of Pi.” Spall’s ongoing work includes starring as Jason Ross in the Apple TV+ comedy “Trying.”
In “Smoke,” he appears as Steven Burke, a detective entangled in a clandestine romance with Detective Michelle Calderon. Burke’s struggle to manage the boundaries and consequences of this relationship sets up complex personal dynamics within the investigation. Spall’s major roles span from D.C. Andy Cartwright in “Hot Fuzz” to Danny Moses in “The Big Short.”
Greg Kinnear as Harvey Englehart: Authority on the Case
Greg Kinnear, born in Logansport, Indiana, is known for a distinguished career, including his Oscar-nominated role as Simon Bishop in “As Good as It Gets.” Television highlights include “Shining Vale” and the true crime miniseries “Black Bird.”
Kinnear plays Harvey Englehart, a tough police chief scrutinizing the progress of the arson investigation. Determined to crack the case, Englehart’s relentless questioning and leadership drive momentum as truths about the attacks emerge. Kinnear has also appeared in “Shining Vale” as Terry Phelps and “Black Bird” as Brian Miller.
Notable Supporting Cast Members Add Depth
Adina Porter portrays Brenda Cephus, leveraging her acclaimed experience from “True Blood” as Lettie Mae Thornton and numerous recurring parts in “American Horror Story.” Her recent appearances include “The Changeling” and “The Power.”
Dakota Daulby steps into the role of Lee, following stints in “Falling Skies” and “iZombie,” and more recently as Agent Horatio Fisk in “Longlegs” and Salamon in “Shōgun.”
Michael Buie plays Gerard, bringing experience from “Bombshell,” where he played Bret Baier, and from “Grey’s Anatomy” as Paul Dawson, to the cast.
Anna Chlumsky, who has received six Emmy nominations for her performance as Amy Brookheimer in “Veep,” appears in a yet undisclosed role. Chlumsky also stars in the 2025 movie “Bride Hard” and “Inventing Anna” on Netflix.
From the ensemble of detectives and law enforcement to the array of suspects, the contributions of Sarah Gudsen and other recurring characters promise to enrich the intricately woven fabric of “Smoke.”
Anticipated Impact and Series Outlook
With episodes of “Smoke” premiering Fridays on Apple TV+, viewers can expect a tense episodic rollout punctuated by psychological intrigue, complicated relationships, and a rigorous search for justice. The drama’s blend of accomplished actors—including Egerton, Smollett, Mwine, Anderson, Leguizamo, Spall, Kinnear, Porter, Daulby, Buie, and Chlumsky—ensures that the unfolding story will maintain its gripping momentum from week to week.
Building on the foundation set by “Black Bird” and other acclaimed projects from Dennis Lehane, “Smoke” invites audiences to examine the lengths its lead characters will go to in their relentless pursuit of the truth, even as their own secrets threaten to surface. The true crime inspiration and nuanced performances by the Taron Egerton Smoke Apple TV+ cast make this series a notable entry in the streaming crime genre.
