Kurt Sutter’s Sons of Anarchy spinoff is one step closer to becoming a reality. FX officially purchased a pilot for the spin-off, Mayans MC , while production is expected to start this coming spring. The network also released the show’s first official synopsis, revealing interesting details about the time and setting of Sutter’s newest project.
According to Comic Book , Mayans MC will take place after the events in Sons of Anarchy . Sadly, this means that Charlie Hunnam will not be reprising his role as bad boy Jax Teller, who died at the end of Season 7.
The plot synopsis reads, “Mayans MC is 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.”
While it will be great to dive into a whole different biker world with EZ Reyes, fans are undoubtedly disappointed that Hunnam will not be involved in the project. Even more, it doesn’t sound like there will be a lot of opportunities to see original characters from Sons of Anarchy , at least not yet.
That doesn’t mean a few familiar faces won’t pop up from time to time. Indeed, some of the original characters lived beyond the series finale and are theoretically still alive. Unfortunately, SAMCRO is a long ways away from the border. For now, it sounds like fans will have to wait a little bit longer to see glimpses of Tig, Chibs, Ratboy, or Happy.
Meanwhile, Pop Sugar is reporting that Sutter hired Latin filmmaker Elgin James to help produce the new series. Sutter is set to direct the opening episode while James will serve as his co-executive producer.
Mayans MC will have a similar feel as Sons of Anarchy with a few exceptions. Like Sons of Anarchy , the spin-off will focus on family drama within the confines of the biker outlaw culture. Only this time, the story will be told through the lens of Latinos.
“Although the Mayan Project may intersect with SOA charters, it will be a very different show,” Sutter revealed last year. “Tone, pace, storytelling, will be unique.”
According to Slash Film , Sutter hired James because of his unique connection to Latin gangs. James is known for his work on the movie Little Birds. Prior to directing movies, James spent years as part of a multi-racial gang and even spent time in prison for federal extortion.
“I wanted to find a strong, unique Latino voice. Because I didn’t think a white guy from Jersey should be writing about Latin culture and traditions. Elgin is that voice,” Sutter said after hiring James.
For his part, E! News reports that Hunnam is making big waves in the movie industry. Following the end of Sons of Anarchy , Hunnam landed lead roles in a number of different films, including Guy Ritchie’s upcoming King Arthur: Legend of the Sword .
Despite his growing career on the big screens, Hunnam admitted that he is looking forward to taking a break from fitness. The actor gained a lot of muscle for his part in Sons of Anarchy and wants to go back to his normal weight.
“You know I’ve been doing a lot of very physical work that last 16, 17 years and I’m starting to get tired. I’m starting to get old,” he admitted. “I want to eat some hamburgers and just relax.”
King Arthur: Legend of the Sword opens in theaters on March 24, 2016 (see the preview below). The Sons of Anarchy spin-off Mayans MC is expected to premiere sometime in late 2017 on FX.
[Featured Image by FX]