Arts·Commotion

Does The Big Cigar capture the history of the Black Panther Party well?

Culture writer David Dennis Jr. discusses the series, and whether Hollywood has what it takes to tell a controversial story like this one.

Culture writer David Dennis Jr. discusses the series about Huey P. Newton and his relationship with Hollywood

Key art for The Big Cigar on Apple TV+.
Key art for The Big Cigar on Apple TV+. (Apple TV+)

The new Apple TV+ series The Big Cigar tells the unbelievable true story of Black Panther Party founder Huey P. Newton as he leverages Hollywood to flee from the U.S. to Cuba.

Today on Commotion, culture writer David Dennis Jr. joins host Elamin Abdelmahmoud to discuss the series, and whether Hollywood has what it takes to tell a controversial story like this one.

WATCH | Today's episode on YouTube (this segment starts at 14:48): 

You can listen to the full discussion from today's show on CBC Listen or on our podcast, Commotion with Elamin Abdelmahmoud, available wherever you get your podcasts.


Interview with David Dennis Jr. produced by Ty Callender.