Tom Brittney to Star in MGM+ Crime Drama ‘The Westies’

TORONTO, Canada — Tom Brittney has been cast as co-lead in the upcoming MGM+ period crime drama series, ‘The Westies,’ alongside J.K. Simmons. The series is created by Chris Brancato, known for ‘Narcos,’ and is expected to begin production in July.

‘The Westies’ is set in the early 1980s in Hell’s Kitchen, New York, during the construction of the Jacob Javits Convention Center. This building project promises a financial boom for the Irish-American organized crime group, The Westies. Despite their smaller numbers compared to the Italian mafia’s Five Families, the Westies leverage their notorious brutality to claim their share of the profits.

Central to the storyline is the internal conflict arising between the older leadership and a new, brash generation within the gang. Brittney will portray James “Jimmy” Roarke, a young gangster whose loyalty will be tested as he navigates power dynamics and alliances.

J.K. Simmons plays Eamon Sweeney, the established head of the Westies who mentors Jimmy. Other cast members include Titus Welliver and Jessica Frances Dukes. The eight-episode series is expected to debut sometime in 2026.

Brittney is known for his work in the British series ‘Grantchester’ and has appeared in the Netflix film ‘Back in Action’ alongside Jamie Foxx and Cameron Diaz. He has also starred with Tom Hanks in ‘Greyhound’ and has a background in producing through Wild Nest Pictures.

The series aims to portray the true story of The Westies during their reign in New York City, giving audiences a glimpse into this gripping chapter of organized crime history.