J.K. Simmons is set for a lead role in the MGM+ drama “The Westies,” which has now officially been ordered to series.
The show was first reported to be in development in March 2025. The series hails from creators Chris Brancato and Michael Panes. The show is based on the true story of the titular New York City gang of the same name. The official description of the series states:
“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. But 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.”
Simmons will star as Eamon Sweeney, described as “the charismatic but ruthless leader of The Westies, whose old-school charm and neighborhood loyalty mask fierce criminal ambition and calculated brutality.”
“J.K. Simmons doesn’t just play authority—he radiates it. We’re lucky to have an actor who brings the gravitas and danger that this world demands,” said Brancato.
“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”
Simmons’ past TV credits include shows like “Oz,” “Counterpart,” “The Closer,” and “Goliath.” He is also an accomplished voice actor, currently starring in the Amazon series “Invincible” and playing a main role in the hit series “The Legend of Korra,” among other voice roles. In film, Simmons won the Academy Award and Golden Globe for best supporting actor for “Whiplash,” while he was also nominated for the Oscar for his work in “Being the Ricardos.” He is also known for his role in the “Spider-Man” film franchise as well as features like “The Accountant” and its recent sequel, “Juno,” and “La La Land.”
He is repped by Gersh.
Production on “The Westies” will begin in July in Toronto. In addition to co-creating the series, Brancato serves as executive producer and showrunner on the series under his overall TV deal with MGM+.
Deadline first reported Simmons’ casting.