DOPESICK - DANNY STRONG INTERVIEW

From Executive Producer Danny Strong and starring and executive produced by Michael Keaton, “Dopesick” examines how one company triggered the worst drug epidemic in American history. The series takes viewers to the epicenter of America’s struggle with opioid addiction, from the boardrooms of Big Pharma, to a distressed Virginia mining community, to the hallways of the DEA. Defying all the odds, heroes will emerge in an intense and thrilling ride to take down the craven corporate forces behind this national crisis and their allies. The eight-episode series is inspired by the New York Times bestselling book by Beth Macy and stars Michael Keaton, Peter Sarsgaard, Michael Stuhlbarg, Will Poulter, John Hoogenakker, with Kaitlyn Dever and Rosario Dawson.

“Dopesick” is written by Emmy winner, Danny Strong (“Empire,” “Recount,” “Game Change”) and directed by Oscar winner, Barry Levinson (“Paterno,” “Rain Main”). Executive producers for “Dopesick” include Strong, John Goldwyn (“Dexter”), Levinson, Warren Littlefield (“The Handmaid’s Tale,” “Fargo,” “The Old Man”), Beth Macy (“Dopesick”) and Karen Rosenfelt (“Twilight”).

Danny Strong started his career as an actor in numerous classic films and TV shows, then transitioned into screenwriting, exploding onto the scene with his 2007 script “Recount” which became an award-winning HBO Film. Since then, he has become a prolific film and TV writer/director/producer.

Strong is the creator and showrunner of the upcoming Hulu series “Dopesick,” starring Michael Keaton and based on the bestselling book by Beth Macy. He was co-creator and executive producer of the hit FOX drama “Empire,” of which he wrote and directed numerous episodes. The show won Best Drama at the NAACP Image Awards, was named TV Program of the Year by the AFI Awards, Outstanding New Program by the Television Critics Association, and was nominated for two Golden Globes, six Primetime Emmys, and two Critics Choice Awards. He was the Executive Producer of the FOX legal drama “Proven Innocent” starring Rachelle Lefevere and Kelsey Grammer.

The eight-part original series will premiere exclusively on Disney+ Day, Friday November 12th, in Canada. It is currently airing in the U.S. on HULU.

I spoke with Danny Strong about bringing this powerful and important series to the screen.