SONNY'S LAWSUIT AGAINST HBO

I know this is gossip, but fuck it, I can't resist. In my opinion, this document proves two things. One. We pitched our show to HBO in October of 2006. Tolkien pitched his in January of 2007. Clearly when we passed on HBO and sold Sons of Anarchy to FX, they were pissed off and actively pursued the world with another writer. Two. HBO completely disrespected and disregarded Sonny Barger's contribution to the project. Tolkien had been developing a feature with Sonny for years. Everything Michael knew about the world was because of Sonny. I don't know the details of the deal or the nature of the relationship, but clearly Sonny got fucked. Maybe it's me, but burning Sonny is not only unfair... it ain't too bright either. Read and decide for yourself. Download the PDF: SBPvMT_complaint_filestamped.pdf

USA TODAY ( Friday, 5/9)

FX gives biker drama 'Anarchy' some gas

FX is out to explore the world of outlaw motorcycle gangs in Sons of Anarchy, due in September. It stars Charlie Hunnam as gang member Jax Teller, who comes to resent its lawlessness, and Katey Sagal is his mother, who marries the gang's leader.

TV portrayals often "fluctuate between two stereotypes, the big bad evil biker dudes and warm, cuddly wild hogs," says writer/producer Kurt Sutter (The Shield), who is Sagal's husband. He is more interested in the juxtaposition of danger and humor: "These guys know how feared they are, and it allows them to move through their world with such swagger and confidence."

HBO also is shooting a pilot, 1%, about a biker club in small-town Arizona.

—Gary Levin

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

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.