Lost Duo Reunited For Groovy 70s Crime Thriller

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As Josh Holloway, known for his role in “Lost,” strides into the grand Hotel Majestic in Cannes, his face breaks into a broad grin. His reason? He’s just spotted LaToya Morgan, one of the creative minds behind his upcoming Max series “Duster.” Notably, J.J. Abrams, another creative force on the show and a fellow “Lost” alum, is also involved. This meeting is a highly anticipated reunion for these two veterans from their shared past in “Lost.

Making its debut outside of competition at Canneseries, “Duster” harks back to the style of ’70s crime dramas. The story unfolds in the Southwest in 1972 and focuses on the FBI’s first Black female agent (portrayed by Rachel Hilson from “This is Us”), who embarks on a mission to dismantle a formidable criminal organization, headed by Keith David, a seasoned actor. Accompanied by a charismatic escape driver, played by Holloway, she aims to bring the syndicate down.

The show, initially approved for direct-to-series production by HBO in 2020 as part of Abrams’s agreement with WarnerMedia, has been a long time in the making. A pilot episode was filmed in 2021, which later needed to be reshot in 2023. The series officially started production that same year, only to be temporarily halted due to the WGA strikes.

In an interview prior to the debut, Holloway expressed his great eagerness as the series is now ready for release. “The process was quite a rollercoaster, life can be unpredictable at times. J.J. contacted me, then COVID-19 struck. We eventually managed to film it, and after that there were some internal shifts within HBO, a few strikes, different productions… [JJ] said: ‘You know what? We’re going to see this through.’

His comment emphasizes our determination shines through in the performance. Typically, during shifts in power, there’s a significant cleaning of the past. Each time we managed to endure, I felt a sense of pride as it indicated that they recognized the value we brought.

Regarding reconnecting with Abrams after two decades since their collaboration on “Lost”, Holloway enthusiastically responds: “Absolutely! He reached out to me and inquired if I had a moment, and my response is always ‘yes’! I am more than willing to help him with whatever he needs.

He found it incredibly thrilling to chat with him, he says. Then came the mention of LaToya, and I found myself watching ‘Into the Badlands’, nodding my head in agreement. This girl is sharp, she adds a unique flair that distinguishes her from J.J.. Together, they create an impressive dynamic. They’re flexible yet not stiff, advancing the series in a subtle yet powerful manner, allowing viewers to fully absorb their actions without realizing exactly what transpired.”

“He was really looking forward to talking to him, he stated. Mentioning LaToya changed everything for me – I immediately started watching ‘Into the Badlands’, and I couldn’t help but think, ‘this girl is on point.’ She contributes a distinct style that contrasts with J.J.. Combined, they form an excellent duo. They’re adaptable without being rigid, pushing the storyline forward in a subtle yet impactful way, so viewers can fully grasp their actions without even realizing it.

In a reminiscence, Morgan talks about her initial encounter with Abrams following his reading of one of her scripts. According to her, after this encounter, Abrams presented a straightforward concept that served as the opening scene for “Duster”: a telephone rings in the heart of the desert, a powerful car arrives, and actor Josh Holloway emerges from it to respond to the call.

Morgan mentions that she’s found Josh fascinating ever since she first saw him on ‘Lost.’ After an hour and a half of brainstorming sessions, J.J. suggested they collaborate. Morgan compares their creative process to jazz improvisation where they each play a note, understanding one another’s musical tastes perfectly.

The TV series titled “Duster” stands out from current television trends by fiercely embracing its nostalgic tribute to the ’70s crime thriller genre. It’s filled with witty dialogue, fast-paced action sequences, and villains who sport cowboy boots. Morgan, commenting on its production, states that its greenlight is a testament to the demand for original programming and the resurgence of shows reminiscent of the past.

She goes on to say that everything revolves around cycles. For instance, ‘The Pitt’ resembles ‘ER,’ and our series is reminiscent of classics like ‘Starsky and Hutch.’ It’s clear proof, she suggests, that everything in the world of entertainment tends to repeat itself.

Holloway mentions that when he watches today’s TV shows, which are often superbly written and engaging, he frequently finds himself feeling emotionally drained afterward, as they can be quite heavy and gloomy. However, what he appreciates about our show is its ability to evoke the spirit of the ’70s, making it fun and lively. Although bad events occur, they don’t seem as disheartening.

The actor expresses his fondness for “Duster” by noting that every character adds a unique sense of humor and lightness to the storyline. He particularly admires his young co-star, Rachel, who portrays a character facing prejudice but refuses to be deterred. He appreciates the tug-of-war dynamic between them, as they both push and pull each other, occasionally crossing boundaries and taking risks. The actor concludes by stating that their relationship is based on mutual trust, which made working with Rachel an enjoyable experience for him.

As a die-hard movie enthusiast, I couldn’t contain my excitement when offered the chance to perform my own stunts as the getaway driver Jim in Holloway. Once I accepted the role, I swiftly enrolled in a stunt driving school and earned my certification. Our stunt coordinator, Troy Brown, had unwavering confidence in me that surpassed my own self-assurance. He escorted me to the track, allowed me to practice, and eventually let me execute those thrilling stunts. The sensation of performing these feats is indescribable, especially since the car becomes a character in itself, embodying the essence of a getaway driver. If he can’t drive skillfully, it just wouldn’t look cool.

Following a fantastic debut season, the duo is optimistic about embarking on another journey with the show’s iconic vessel. Morgan expresses their enthusiasm by saying, “Absolutely! We’ve got some ideas and have discussed them with the studio and network. Fingers crossed that viewers will join us for another round, allowing us to produce a second season.

He jokes, but it’s clear he intends to revisit stunt school and refine several tricks.

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2025-04-27 17:17