J.K. Simmons to Star in MGM+ Crime Drama

J.K. Simmons (Whiplash, Being the Ricardos, The Closer) is set to star in the lead role of the upcoming MGM+ crime drama The Westies, created by Chris Brancato (Narcos, Hotel Cocaine).

Set in early 1980s New York, the series centers on the infamously violent Irish gang the Westies. Construction of the Jacob Javitz Convention Center on the Westies’ home turf in Hell’s Kitchen promises a financial windfall, but internal conflict between the brash younger generation and the old-school leadership threatens to blow everything up.

This ultimately sweeps the Westies into the FBI’s depending investigation in the Five Families of the Italian Mafia.

The Westies is developed by Brancato and Michael Panes, who also serves as executive producer. It will go into production in Toronto, Canada, in July and will premiere exclusively on MGM+ in the U.S., the U.K., Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Brazil, Mexico, Chile and Colombia. Amazon MGM Studios Distribution will distribute in all other international territories.

The series marks Brancato’s third with MGM+, following the success of Godfather of Harlem and Hotel Cocaine.

On casting the lead role, Michael Wright, head of MGM+ said, “J.K. Simmons is one of the finest actors working today. 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.”