Carl Roberts 
MGM+ has announced that Academy Award-winning actor J.K. Simmons will star in The Westies, the MGM+ crime series that begins production in June.
MGM+ today announced that Academy Award-winning actor J.K. Simmons will star in its upcoming Original crime drama series The Westies, created by acclaimed showrunner and executive producer Chris Brancato. Set in early 1980s New York, the series explores the brutal rise of the Irish-American gang that ruled Hell’s Kitchen at the time.
J.K SIMMONS
J.K. Simmons has appeared in a range of projects spanning motion pictures, television, and the stage on and off-Broadway. He won the 2015 Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of merciless jazz instructor, ‘Fletcher’, in Sony Pictures Classics’ “Whiplash.” His performance in the film also garnered him a Screen Actors Guild Award. Golden Globe. Independent Spirit Award, and BAFTA Award, as well as many critics’ group awards worldwide.
“J.K. Simmons is one of the finest actors working today,” said Michael Wright, head of MGM+. “His authenticity and intensity bring an invaluable quality to this complex and exhilarating story, and we can’t wait to see him bring this unforgettable character to life.“
ABOUT THE SERIES
The Westies is a gritty and kinetic crime drama centring on New York City’s infamously violent Irish gang of the same name. The series is set in the early 1980s when the construction of the Jacob Javitz Convention Center on the Westies’ home turf in Hell’s Kitchen promises a financial windfall. Despite being outnumbered fifty-to-one by the Five Families of the Italian Mafia, the Westies’ legendary brutality and cunning have given them the leverage necessary to share the spoils through a fragile détente. However, internal conflict between the brash younger generation and the old-school leadership threatens to set a match to this powder keg. Which will sweep the Westies into the FBI’s ever-deepening investigation into the Italian mafia.
Brancato and Michael Panes are developing The Westies, with Panes also taking on the role of executive producer. The eight-episode series marks Brancato’s third series with MGM+. Following the success of his critically acclaimed series Godfather of Harlem, starring Academy Award winner Forest Whitaker. And the crime thriller Hotel Cocaine.
The Westies will go into production in Toronto, Canada, in July. It will premiere exclusively on MGM+ in the U.S., UK, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Brazil, Mexico, Chile, and Colombia. Amazon MGM Studios Distribution will distribute in all other international territories.
Introducing Carl! As the News Editor at Future of the Force, Carl has been an invaluable member of our team since early 2016. His expertise and dedication have made him an integral part of our editorial staff. Beyond his professional role, Carl is a fervent supporter of Liverpool F.C. and an avid follower of pop culture. He has a deep passion for Halloween, Friday the 13th, and the iconic movie franchises Star Wars and Star Trek.
He can be found either at his neighborhood cinema, enjoying the latest releases on the big screen, or at home streaming the newest blockbuster movies.
