MGM+ has released the official trailer for The Westies, a new crime drama starring J.K. Simmons as the leader of a violent Irish gang operating in early-1980s New York. The eight-episode series will premiere with two episodes on 12 July, followed by a weekly release.
Set in Hell’s Kitchen, the drama follows the Westies as construction begins on the Jacob Javits Convention Center within their territory. The major development promises an enormous financial opportunity, but securing a share of the profits means maintaining a fragile agreement with New York’s Five Families.
Although heavily outnumbered by the Italian Mafia, the Westies have built their influence through brutality and cunning. The trailer shows that arrangement beginning to break down as tensions rise within the gang and a younger generation pushes against its old-school leadership.
J.K. Simmons stars as Eamon Sweeney, the imposing figure at the centre of the organisation. Tom Brittney plays Jimmy Roarke, an ambitious younger member whose growing influence could threaten the existing order.
The footage introduces their increasingly strained relationship as Jimmy begins questioning the decisions being made around him. With money, territory and leadership at stake, the conflict within the Westies may prove just as dangerous as the enemies surrounding them. Watch the trailer below.
Titus Welliver stars as Glenn Keenan, with Jessica Frances Dukes playing FBI Agent Birdie Polk. As the bureau’s investigation into the Italian Mafia deepens, the Westies risk being drawn into a case that could expose their entire operation. The cast also includes Stanley Morgan as Mickey Flanagan, Sarah Bolger as Bridget Walsh, Allen Leech as Brendan Cahill and Hamish Allan-Headley as John Gotti. Vincent Walsh, Hilary McCormack, Aidan Wojtak-Hissong, Jeremy Walmsley, Dylan Taylor and Rohan Mead also appear.
The Westies was co-created by Chris Brancato and Michael Panes. Brancato, whose credits include Narcos and Godfather of Harlem, also serves as showrunner and executive producer.
For CultureCues, the trailer makes a convincing case for another strong MGM+ crime drama. The period setting gives the series plenty to work with, and the clash between its older leadership and ambitious new generation adds another compelling layer. With Simmons, Brittney and Welliver leading a great cast, The Westies has all the makings of a gripping new series.
The Westies premieres with two episodes on MGM+ on 12 July, followed by new episodes weekly.
Nikki Murray is a UK-based writer, screenwriter and founder & editor of CultureCues, covering film, television, music and pop culture. Her work focuses on storytelling and the moments shaping modern entertainment.