Oscar laureate J.K. Simmons will soon be joined by Titus Welliver, renowned for his role in Bosch: Legacy, in the much-anticipated crime drama The Westies. The upcoming project from MGM+ is the brainchild of Chris Brancato, who holds multiple roles including co-creator, executive producer, and showrunner. The production gears up to hit the floors in Toronto as early as July 2025.
Set in the 1980s, The Westies thrives on the narrative of a burgeoning Irish crime syndicate in Hell’s Kitchen. The series aims to portray their tussle for power with the established Italian mafia, adding an engaging element of conflict. Beyond Simmons, the latest recruit to the ensemble is Titus Welliver, playing the part of an NYPD officer, Glenn Keenan.
Embodying the complex character of Glenn Keenan, Titus Welliver enters the narrative as a conflicted cop. Despite being a law enforcer by profession, his roots are entwined with the Westies crew, presenting an interesting dilemma within the story. His ongoing struggle between allegiance and morality is set to create an intriguing dynamic as the plot unfolds.
Welliver’s Keenan grapples with his mounting love and loyalty, forcing him to arrive at some tough decisions on the path the story carves. Previously familiar to the audience from his roles in Bosch: Legacy, Deadwood, and The Good Wife, Welliver’s portrayal is highly anticipated. His acting prowess is also set to grace the Indie film Ricky, recently featured at the Sundance Film Festival.
Along the narrative arc, Welliver’s Keenan is bound to interact with Simmons’ Eamon Sweeney. Sweeney, characterized by his relentless ambition and ruthless nature, leads the titular group. His terrifying blend of criminal aspirations and brute force sets him apart as a feared figure.
Simmons, known for his recent roles in Red One, Goliath, The Union, and Night Sky, brings his formidable talent to The Westies. The series promises to transport audiences back to 1980s Hell’s Kitchen, New York, pulling its storyline from the real-life exploits of a notorious Irish-American organized crime gang of the late 20th century.
Drawing parallels with Steven Knight’s Peaky Blinders and Martin Scorsese’s Gangs of New York, the series will emulate the ascent of this Irish crime organization amidst the power dynamics with the Italian mafia. The narrative encompasses the Five Points neighborhood in lower Manhattan, which was once a hotbed for such activities.
The Westies crime syndicate, in the 1980s timeline, sets their sights on the lucrative opportunity presented by the construction of the Javitz Center. Despite being heavily outnumbered by the Italian mafia, they managed to assert themselves and secure a substantial portion of the profit through their ruthlessness.
However, the gang’s aspirations are tested as internal tensions between the older and younger members start flaring. The widening probe by FBI further aggravates the volatile situation. The plot dips into these high-stake scenarios, adding another layer of thrill to the narrative.
In their fight for survival and supremacy, the Westies persist in leveraging the earning potential of the Jacob Javitz Convention Center construction project. Outnumbered but not outplayed, their sheer brutality carves out a portion of the profits for them, even in the face of competition from the Italian mafia.
At the same time, squabbles between the newer and older generations within the gang begin to escalate, threatening their united front. This intergenerational conflict, along with the steadily mounting pressure from the FBI investigations, heightens the drama and stakes for the group.
As the narrative progresses, it captures the underlying discord and infighting within the gang while the FBI’s scrutiny continues to intensify. These cascading events promise to accelerate the momentum, potentially leading the characters down a path of unforeseen challenges and dramatic consequences.
Through this intense journey, the series aims to shed light on the ruthless world of organized crime in New York during the 1980s. The Westies’ struggle for survival and dominance over their mob rivals echoes the ruthlessness and ferocity of the period’s crime scene.
In summary, the Westies intends to bring its audience a gripping journey through a crucial period of New York’s underbelly. With an experienced and talented cast like J.K. Simmons and Titus Welliver, the upcoming crime drama promises to delve deep into the internal and external battles faced by an infamous Irish-American crime gang, set against the backdrop of 1980s New York.
As the ensemble faces the many challenges thrown their way, viewers can anticipate witnessing a confluence of compelling character arcs and a dynamic, hard-hitting narrative. The crime drama, despite its historical roots, promises to resonate with modern audiences, given its exploration of universal themes like loyalty, power struggles, and survival.