Apple TV+ has announced the addition of Jurnee Smollett to its upcoming drama series Firebug. The Emmy-nominated Lovecraft Country star will be joining Taron Egerton in the show, which is being written and executive produced by Dennis Lehane, known for works such as Mystic River and Apple's Black Bird.
Firebug is loosely based on real-life events featured in Truth.Media's Firebug podcast, hosted by Kary Antholis, who is also an executive producer of the series. Produced in-house by Apple Studios, Firebug will follow a troubled detective portrayed by Smollett and an enigmatic arson investigator played by Egerton as they track down two serial arsonists in the Pacific Northwest. Smollett's character, Michelle, is described as a rising star in her department.
The series reunites much of the core team behind the Emmy-winning Black Bird, including Lehane, Egerton, Antholis, and executive producers Richard Plepler of Eden Productions, and Dan Friedkin and Bradley Thomas of Imperative Entertainment. Marc Smerling will also serve as an executive producer for Truth Podcasting Corp.
Smollett, who recently wrapped up filming the crime thriller The Order alongside Jude Law and Nicholas Hoult, has an impressive list of credits to her name. Her recent works include Amazon's feature film The Burial, indie movie We Grown Now, and Netflix's Lou. Prior to her Emmy-nominated role on HBO's Lovecraft Country, Smollett starred in WGN America's Underground and had appearances on True Blood, Friday Night Lights, and Parenthood. She is represented by Entertainment 360, CAA, and attorney Nina Shaw.
