Hollywood Heavyweights Clash: Welliver & Simmons Face Off in 'The Westies' Drama
From "Narcos" creator Chris Brancato comes "The Westies," a new MGM+ crime drama premiering July 12. Set in 1980s New York, it follows an Irish-American gang's alliance with the Italian Mafia, starring J.K. Simmons and Tom Brittney. The series explores generational divides, moral conflicts, and the gritty realities of organized crime.
Chris Brancato, the acclaimed creator behind "Narcos" and "Godfather of Harlem," brings his latest ambitious crime drama, "The Westies," to MGM+, premiering on July 12. This new series delves into the gritty world of the titular Irish-American gang in 1980s New York, exploring their burgeoning alliance with the powerful Five Families of the Italian Mafia, specifically the Gambino crime family, amidst the backdrop of the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center's construction. "The Westies" offers a compelling narrative rooted in tension, corruption, and deception, positioning itself as a must-watch for fans of the genre.
Central to the drama is the generational divide within the gang. J.K. Simmons portrays Eamon Sweeney, a fictionalized version of the notorious Irish-American mobster Mickey Spillane, who embodies the old guard of the Westies. His protégé, Jimmy Rourke, played by Tom Brittney, represents the gang's younger generation, leading to inevitable clashes in their approach to their criminal enterprise. Brancato emphasizes this core "father-son" relationship as a key draw for viewers, exploring the complex dynamics as the younger generation confronts the realities of their elders.
Despite its authentic New York setting, "The Westies" was predominantly filmed in Toronto, with Cinespace Studios transforming into a detailed replica of 1980s Hell's Kitchen. This cost-effective approach, combined with meticulous production design and visual effects, including pioneering use of AI for period accuracy, ensures a seamless viewing experience. Much of the series was shot on a meticulously constructed New York City street set, with only a few scenes utilizing other Toronto locations.
The writing of the series was a unique process, with co-creators Chris Brancato and Michael Panes penning all eight episodes of Season 1 themselves, foregoing a traditional writers' room. This decision, driven by a limited budget and a clear vision, allowed them to maintain intimate control over the characters and plot. While drawing inspiration from historical accounts, the duo admitted to taking creative liberties, preferring second-hand sources and artistic license over direct consultation with real-life figures, which allowed for a richer, more evolved narrative.
The casting process for "The Westies" saw J.K. Simmons as the immediate and sole choice for Eamon Sweeney, attracted by the opportunity to develop a fictionalized character rather than a strict historical portrayal. Tom Brittney, playing Jimmy Rourke, shared scenes with Simmons, recalling feeling like a "teenager" opposite the seasoned actor, a dynamic that mirrored their characters' relationship. Titus Welliver rounds out the main cast as Glenn Keenan, a morally conflicted beat cop with deep ties to Eamon and a son increasingly involved with the Westies. Welliver, a long-time friend of Brancato, found personal resonance with the series' period and the gang, and was drawn to the character's rich, nuanced layers, distinct from his past roles like Harry Bosch.
The narrative further complicates with Eamon's efforts to strengthen ties with the Gambino crime family, led by characters based on real-life figures Paul Castellano (Ron Lee) and John Gotti (Hamish Allen-Headley). Initially, Castellano relies on the Westies for their "dirty work," but as alliances deepen, audiences are encouraged to root for the Irish-American gang. Other key characters include Jimmy's ex-IRA girlfriend, Bridget Walsh (Sarah Bolger), whose complex backstory offers a unique dynamic, and FBI agent Birdie Polk (Jessica Frances Dukes), who pulls Glenn Keenan into an investigative task force, escalating tensions.
Music plays a significant role in setting the tone, featuring a blend of Irish tunes that energize the audience and iconic 1980s tracks from bands like Mötley Crüe and Blondie. The series aims to follow its characters through a pivotal period from 1980 to 1986, culminating in the Westies' eventual disbandment. With its compelling characters, intricate plot, and the creative vision of Brancato and Panes, "The Westies" promises to be a gripping addition to the crime drama genre, exploring loyalty, family, and the brutal realities of gang life.