Oscar-winning actor J.K. Simmons is set to star in the upcoming MGM+ series The Westies, a crime drama centered on the violent Irish gang that operated in New York City during the 1980s. According to FirstShowing. The series will debut with a two-episode premiere on July 12, with additional episodes released weekly. The series is described as a gritty and kinetic portrayal of the Westies, who controlled parts of Hell’s Kitchen and engaged in a power struggle with the Italian mafia during the construction of the Jacob Javits Convention Center.

Firm Tactics and Internal Conflict

According to upi.com. The Westies. Though outnumbered fifty-to-one by the Five Families of the Italian Mafia, used their legendary brutality and cunning to share the spoils. The series explores how internal conflict between the brash younger generation and the old-school leadership threatens to ignite the group’s fragile détente with the Italian mafia. This tension eventually draws the FBI’s attention as part of its broader investigation into the Italian organized crime network.

The official synopsis, shared by klamm.de, notes that the Westies were known for their strategic prowess and violent methods; the construction of the Jacob Javits Convention Center in Hell’s Kitchen becomes a catalyst for the group’s ambitions, as it offers new financial opportunities. Despite being vastly outnumbered, the Westies managed to secure a share of the profits through their firm tactics, though their internal divisions ultimately threaten their position.

Star Power in the Cast

Simmons joins a cast that includes Titus Welliver, Tom Brittney, Jessica Frances Dukes, Sarah Bolger, and Allen Leech. FirstShowing notes that The Westies is the third collaboration between screenwriter Chris Brancato and MGM+ following Hotel Cocaine and The Godfather of Harlem. The series is directed by Michael Panes, who also worked on Godfather of Harlem, and will consist of eight episodes total.

klamm.de adds that the series will be available in Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands, in addition to the United States. The first two episodes will premiere on July 12, with subsequent episodes released weekly. The show is described as a “darker, faster-paced crime drama” that explores both the power struggles within the underworld and the investigations conducted by law enforcement.

Simmons’ Recent Public Appearances

Simmons recently made headlines for a lighthearted encounter with Spider-Man at a New York Mets game. According to MLB.com, the actor, who previously played J. Jonah Jameson in the early-2000s Spider-Man films and in the current Marvel Cinematic Universe, was spotted at Citi Field. The Daily Bugle editor-in-chief, a character known for his disdain of Spider-Man, was seen reacting in character to the superhero, who was seated behind him.

The encounter was widely shared online, with a tweet from MLB captioning the video with “He’s a menace… I WANT SPIDER-MAN!” According to Diario AS, the humorous moment highlighted the actor’s ability to stay in character, even in a casual setting. The game also featured actor Bill Fagerbakke, the voice of Patrick Star from SpongeBob SquarePants, who announced the Mets’ lineup in character as Patrick Star.

Simmons, 71, has appeared in a range of films and series, including Whiplash, La La Land, and Invincible, where he portrayed the villainous Omni-Man. His role in The Westies continues his trend of taking on intense, often villainous roles in both film and television.