FX has placed a 13-episode order for a new drama series Sons of Anarchy, starring Charlie Hunnam and Katey Sagal, from The Shield executive producer Kurt Sutter, today announced John Landgraf, President and General Manager of FX Networks. Production is scheduled to begin in June and the series slated to premiere on FX in September.
Sons of Anarchy is an adrenalized, darkly humorous drama exploring a notorious outlaw motorcycle club’s intent on protecting their simple, sheltered town of Charming, Calif. from advancing drug dealers and local corporate developers. It is also a family saga seen through the eyes of Jax Teller (Charlie Hunnam) whose love for the brotherhood comes into direct conflict with his growing apprehension regarding the club's lawlessness. Katey Sagal stars as his force-of-nature mother who, along with the club's president, Jax's stepfather, has her own ideas about the direction of the Sons of Anarchy. Additional co-stars include Drea de Matteo and Maggie Siff.
“We thank Art and John Linson for coming to FX with a great, untapped arena for a drama series. Kurt Sutter took their notion and created a fiercely entertaining and authentic series,” said Landgraf. “We think our viewers will welcome the Sons of Anarchy into their lives as they say farewell to The Shield during its last great season.”
Sons of Anarchy will be executive produced by Sutter, veteran feature producer Art Linson (Fast Times at Ridgemont High, The Untouchables, Heat) and his son & producing partner, John Linson (Lords of Dogtown), and James D. Parriott (Grey’s Anatomy). Fox 21 will co-produce with FX Productions. FX originally ordered the script (formerly titled ‘Forever Sam Crow’) from Sutter in October of 2006, ordered pilot production in last October, and completed production of the pilot in March.
“Kurt Sutter has written a brilliant script populated with fantastic characters,” commented Jane Francis, Senior Vice President, Fox 21. “We had a great experience working alongside FX Productions on the pilot, and we’re really looking forward to working with them on the series.”
Creator/Executive Producer Kurt Sutter added, “I feel like a full patch member of Sons of Anarchy, being neck-deep in this project for a year and half now, so I’m thrilled to get the opportunity to not only explore the outlaw motorcycle world, but to do it with grit and authenticity. I have an amazing cast and FX is a perfect fit for this show and my offbeat storytelling sensibility.”
CHARLIE HUNNAM was last seen on the big screen in Alfonso Cuarón’s acclaimed Children of Men. His television credits include a co-starring role in FOX’s comedy Undeclared, and a recurring role in Showtime’s Queer as Folk. Other feature film credits include Nicholas Nickleby and Cold Mountain.
KATEY SAGAL is best known as “Peggy Bundy” from the hit FOX sitcom Married…with Children. She also starred in 8 Simple Rules, and had recurring roles on Boston Legal, The Shield, Imagine That and That 70’s Show.
