TVCrime

Tom Brittney Joins J.K. Simmons in MGM+'s 'The Westies'

12 months agoUS
Tom Brittney Joins J.K. Simmons in MGM+'s 'The Westies'Source: deadline.com
Tom Brittney, famed for his role in 'Grantchester,' is set to co-lead MGM+'s new crime drama, 'The Westies,' alongside J.K. Simmons. The series, created by Chris Brancato of 'Narcos' fame, will delve into the gritty world of Irish-American organized crime in 1980s New York.

Key Insights

Tom Brittney will play James “Jimmy” Roarke, a rising Irish gangster mentored by J.K. Simmons’ character, Eamon Sweeney.

'The Westies' is set against the backdrop of the Jacob Javits Convention Center's construction in early 1980s Manhattan, exploring the conflict between the Westies and the Italian mafia.

Titus Welliver will play Glenn Keenan, a haunted NYPD officer with ties to the Westies' neighborhood.

Production for the eight-episode series is scheduled to begin in July in Toronto.

Why does this matter? This series offers a deep dive into a specific, brutal era of organized crime, exploring themes of loyalty, ambition, and conflict. The casting of Brittney and Welliver adds further intrigue, promising compelling performances.

In-Depth Analysis

The Westies, set in 1980s New York City, promises a gritty portrayal of the Irish-American crime gang known for their brutality and cunning. The series will explore the internal conflicts within the gang, the fragile détente with the Italian mafia, and the FBI's investigation into their activities. Tom Brittney's character, Jimmy Roarke, is at the center of this conflict, challenging old-school leadership and forging a partnership with the Gambino Crime Family. Titus Welliver's role as a conflicted NYPD officer adds another layer of complexity, blurring the lines between law and crime. The show's backdrop, the construction of the Jacob Javits Convention Center, symbolizes the financial stakes and turf wars that fuel the conflict. The series is scheduled to premiere on MGM+ in the U.S., U.K., Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Brazil, Mexico, Chile, and Colombia. Amazon MGM Studios Distribution will handle distribution in other international markets.

FAQs

Q: When will 'The Westies' be released?

Production begins in July 2025, with a premiere date yet to be announced. It will air on MGM+ in select countries and be distributed by Amazon MGM Studios in other international markets.

Q: Who are the main actors in 'The Westies'?

The series stars Tom Brittney, J.K. Simmons, Titus Welliver, and Jessica Frances Dukes.

Q: What is 'The Westies' about?

The series is about the Irish-American crime gang, The Westies, in 1980s New York, their conflicts with the Italian mafia, and the FBI's investigation into their activities.

Key Takeaways

'The Westies' offers a compelling look into the violent world of organized crime in 1980s New York.

Tom Brittney's role as Jimmy Roarke marks a departure from his previous work, showcasing his versatility as an actor.

The series explores themes of loyalty, ambition, and the challenges of maintaining power in a dangerous environment.

Keep an eye out for the premiere date on MGM+ to dive into this gritty crime drama.

Discussion

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