Jurnee Smollett Reveals the ‘Cutest’ Gift Costar Taron Egerton Gave Her Son When Filming Wrapped on “Smoke” (Exclusive)

Jurnee Smollett, the talented actress, recently shared an exclusive insight with PEOPLE about a special gift her son received from her Smoke co-star Taron Egerton. As she delved into her experiences filming the new AppleTV+ series in Canada, Smollett revealed that her 8-year-old son Hunter formed a unique bond with Egerton during the production. The actress expressed how touched she was by Egerton’s kindness and generosity towards her son, highlighting the thoughtful gift he presented to Hunter at the end of filming.

While on set portraying a marine-turned-arson investigator in Smoke, Smollett’s son Hunter found himself drawn to the world of cinema. The young boy, who accompanied his mother to work, developed a fondness for one of her co-stars, Taron Egerton, who went the extra mile to surprise Hunter with a hockey jersey as a wrap gift. The gesture resonated with Hunter, who is a sports enthusiast and had grown fond of the Vancouver Canucks during their time in Vancouver.

Smollett spoke fondly of the camaraderie on set, not only between her son and Egerton but also with other co-stars such as Greg Kinnear, John Leguizamo, and the show’s creator, Dennis Lehane. She mentioned how the environment on set was incredibly positive and described it as a beautiful experience overall. The actress shared how Hunter, being no stranger to sets, felt comfortable in that environment and even displayed a genuine interest in the production process.

As Smollett reminisced about her time filming Smoke, she recounted an amusing incident where Hunter expressed his desire to delve into acting himself. Despite her own successful acting career that began at a young age, Smollett expressed a cautious approach towards her son’s potential entry into the industry. While she acknowledged his curiosity and love for storytelling, she emphasized the importance of exposing Hunter to various fields to allow him to explore his interests freely.

The actress highlighted Hunter’s diverse interests in sports, academics, and science, showcasing his aptitude for mathematical concepts and scientific experiments. She expressed her desire to nurture his passions and provide him with a range of opportunities to discover his true calling. As someone who values exploration and education, Smollett aims to support and guide Hunter in his pursuits, ensuring he has the freedom to choose a path that resonates with him.

In a heartwarming revelation, Smollett shared her hopes for Hunter’s future, acknowledging that his exposure to her storytelling world may influence his aspirations. While she acknowledges the likelihood of Hunter being drawn to acting given his environment, she remains committed to offering him a well-rounded upbringing with a plethora of possibilities to explore. As Smoke continues to captivate audiences on Apple TV+, Smollett’s personal anecdotes shed light on the cherished moments she and her son experienced during the filming process.

Smoke, the riveting series that brought these impactful interactions to life, can now be streamed on Apple TV+, with new episodes releasing weekly on Fridays. The heartwarming tale of connections forged both on and off-screen serves as a reminder of the power of genuine relationships in the world of entertainment. As Jurnee Smollett’s journey unfolds, her insights into family, friendship, and the magic of storytelling continue to inspire audiences worldwide.