The Deuce Producer Questioned In NYC Death

Here’s a way HBO probably doesn’t like making the news: one of the producers of its upcoming drama The Deuce was questioned earlier today about the death of a 38-year-old woman in Manhattan.

Make that ex-producer, actually, as Variety says that Marc Henry Johnson is no longer working on the upcoming HBO show. The New York Post had earlier reported that Johnson was seen carrying a dermatologist named Kiersten Cerveny down the stairs of her apartment building and placing her in a vestibule. Cerveny was found there unconscious the next morning and later passed away after being taken to a hospital.

Coverage from other media outlets suggests that Cerveny’s death was due to a cocaine overdose, though it’s undoubtedly not good publicity for HBO to have Johnson attached to a high profile project at this time.

And The Deuce definitely falls in that category, seeing as it’s the brainchild of David Simon, the author and journalist best known for giving the world The Wire. Instead of tackling the heart of a city and its seamy underbelly this time out, The Deuce will focus on New York’s role in the porn industry during the 70s and 80s. It’s slated to have James Franco as co-producer and star, as well as Maggie Gyllenhall playing his twin sister, and will rely on writing talent from The Wire as well.

If the series makes it to air, this story will likely only be an unusual and sad footnote. Condolences to the family of Cerveny go out from everyone here at HBO Binge.