Duster: Josh Holloway and J.J. Abrams Reunite Again

As “Misplaced” star Josh Holloway enters the grand lobby of the majestic Resort Majestic in Cannes, his face lights up with a broad smile. This moment of joy is sparked by the sight of LaToya Morgan, a talented writer known for her work on acclaimed shows like The Walking Dead and Shameless. She is one of the creative forces behind the much-anticipated new HBO Max series Duster. Holloway is excited to reunite with his fellow “Misplaced” veteran, J.J. Abrams, who is also deeply involved in this project, making this collaboration a momentous occasion for both of them.

With its world premiere taking place outside of competition at Canneseries, Duster pays homage to the classic crime shows of the 1970s. The series is set against the backdrop of the Southwest in 1972 and tells the story of the FBI’s first Black female agent, played by Rachel Hilson from This Is Us. She is on a mission to dismantle a powerful crime syndicate led by the veteran actor Keith David, with the assistance of an enigmatic getaway driver portrayed by Holloway. The show promises a thrilling mix of action and drama, reminiscent of the genre’s golden era.

Duster has been a labor of love for its creators, initially receiving a direct-to-series green light from HBO back in 2020 as part of Abrams’s extensive deal with WarnerMedia. The journey has seen its share of challenges, including the production of a pilot in 2021, followed by a reshoot in 2023. After production resumed later that year, it faced interruptions due to the WGA strikes. Despite these hurdles, the team remained steadfast in their commitment to bring this project to life, showcasing their determination and resilience in the face of adversity.

In a conversation with Variety prior to the premiere, Holloway expressed his immense enthusiasm for finally sharing the series with audiences. “It has been quite the journey, as life tends to throw unexpected challenges our way,” he reflects. “J.J. reached out to me, and just as we were gearing up, the COVID pandemic hit. We eventually managed to film, but then there were changes in leadership at HBO, along with various shifts and different pilots… [JJ] I thought to myself: ‘You know what? We’re still going to make this happen.’”

Holloway emphasizes that the show embodies their perseverance. “Typically, with changes in management, many projects are scrapped, but I felt a sense of pride every time we overcame an obstacle, as it signified that they recognized we had something special,” he shares. This unwavering commitment to the project reflects the passion and dedication of everyone involved, ensuring that Duster is a quality production that stands out in today’s television landscape.

Reflecting on the reunion with Abrams, which comes 20 years after their collaboration on “Misplaced,” Holloway exclaims, “Are you kidding me!? When he called and asked if I had a moment, my answer was an emphatic ‘yes,’ always ‘yes.’ Whatever he proposes, I’m on board.” This excitement for collaboration demonstrates the strong rapport and mutual respect that has developed between the two over the years, promising an engaging partnership for Duster.

“Talking to him was incredibly exhilarating,” he continues. “Then he introduced me to LaToya, and suddenly I found myself captivated watching ‘Into the Badlands,’ thinking, ‘this woman knows her craft.’ She brings a unique flair and perspective to the project that complements J.J.’s vision. Their dynamic collaboration is remarkable, embodying agility without rigidity, propelling the show forward in a way that feels subtle yet impactful, allowing the audience to fully absorb the narrative without realizing how seamlessly it unfolds.”

Morgan fondly remembers her first encounter with Abrams, which took place after he read one of her original scripts. He arrived with a vivid image that would eventually evolve into the opening scene of Duster: a telephone ringing in the vast desert, followed by a muscle car pulling up, with Josh Holloway stepping out to answer the call. This striking visual captured her imagination and set the tone for their creative collaboration.

“That concept intrigued me immensely because I’ve been a fan of Josh since his days on ‘Misplaced,’” Morgan reveals. “We spent an hour and a half brainstorming ideas before J.J. suggested that we should collaborate on this project. I often liken the creative process to jazz, where he would play a note, and I would respond with another, and we discovered that we shared a similar aesthetic and vision.”

Duster boldly challenges current television trends by fully embracing its affectionate tribute to the 1970s crime thriller genre, complete with witty one-liners, exciting car chases, and villains clad in cowboy boots. Discussing the achievement of getting such a unique show greenlit, Morgan states, “It’s a testament to the demand for original television content and the resurgence of retro-themed shows that have come back into style.”

“Everything comes full circle,” she continues. “We see examples like ‘The Pitt’ drawing inspiration from ‘ER,’ and our show is undeniably a throwback to iconic series like ‘Starsky and Hutch.’ This reflects the cyclical nature of television and storytelling, where trends often reemerge in fresh and exciting forms.”

“While I enjoy many contemporary shows that are brilliantly written and deeply engaging, I often find myself left with an emotional weight after watching,” Holloway admits. “They tend to be dark and heavy. What I appreciate about our show is its ability to evoke the nostalgia of the 1970s. It’s vibrant and fun. Yes, challenging situations arise, but the overall tone keeps it from feeling overly grim.”

One aspect of Duster that Holloway particularly enjoys is how each character contributes a sense of fun and lightheartedness to the narrative. He praises his young co-star, stating, “Rachel’s character faces significant prejudice but continues to persevere. I love that she pulls me in one direction while I pull her in another. Our characters are both crossing lines and taking risks, creating a dynamic relationship based on trust. It was truly a pleasure to work with her.”

Another exciting experience for Holloway was the opportunity to perform his own stunts as the getaway driver, Jim. Upon accepting the role, the actor eagerly enrolled in stunt school and became a certified stunt driver. “Troy Brown, our stunt coordinator, had more faith in my abilities than I did myself,” he recalls. “He brought me out to the track, let me practice, and then execute these stunts. It’s an exhilarating feeling to take on these challenges because the car itself is a character in its own right. As a getaway driver, if he can’t drive, that just wouldn’t be cool.”

After such a positive experience during the first season of Duster, are the creators hopeful for a second season? “Absolutely,” Morgan responds enthusiastically. “We have some exciting plans in mind and have had discussions with the studio and network regarding them. We truly hope that audiences will tune in and support the series, enabling us to bring even more stories to life. We are definitely aiming for a second season.”

“And I’m eager to return to stunt school to refine my stunt skills,” Holloway humorously concludes, highlighting his commitment to the craft and his enthusiasm for the future of the series.