We all knew it was going to happen, and indeed it has come to pass:Kurt Sutter’sSons of Anarchyspin-offMayans MChas gotten a pilot order from FX. Despite the big-budget failure of Sutter’sSOAfollow-up for the network inThe Bastard Executioner, FX is backing the expansion of the showrunner’s motorcycle gang world. BeforeThe AmericansandFargoandAmerican Crime Story,Sons of Anarchywas FX’s flagship drama, and for a few seasons it definitely deserved that distinction. It remained one of the network’s most-watched series throughout its seven year run, and FX is surely hoping for more of the same fromMayans MC.
Sutter will be serving as an EP alongsideElgin James, with whom he co-wrote the pilot. Sutter will also be directing, although since it’s only the first episode I would expect he’ll save the full-song montages for later in the series – assuming it comes to that.
According to a press release,
Mayans MCis set in a post Jax Teller world, where EZ Reyes, a prospect in the Mayan MC charter on the Cali/Mexi border, struggles with his desire for vengeance against the cartel, and his need for respect from the women he loves.
The Mayans were, of course, an integral part ofSons of Anarchy’s story from the very beginning, so we know some of the characters (some Redwood Originals may also potentially have cameos in the new series). The pilot will begin shooting in March in Los Angeles, and as someone who lovedSons of Anarchyfor a long time (and then had mixed feelings towards it as it got closer to its finale), I’m proceeding with cautious optimism here. But, I like the idea of coming to this story from the perspective of a prospect rather than someone who is entrenched in the club and its lore, like the way Jax was the lynchpin inSOA. That, and the focus on the Latin community will bring a fresh perspective to the series.
