FX Networks has officially begun script development on long-rumored “Sons of Anarchy” spinoff “Mayans MC,” a drama project co-created and produced by “Sons” creator Kurt Sutter and Elgin James. James will pen the pilot script, which is intended to be a “dark, visceral family drama that takes a new look at the most American of icons, the 1% outlaw, this time reflected through a Latino lens.”
“I wanted to find a strong, unique Latino voice,” said Sutter of James, “Because I didn’t think a white guy from Jersey should be writing about Latin culture and traditions. Elgin is that voice.”
The Mayans were pivotal recurring players on “Sons of Anarchy,” which ran for seven seasons and stands as the highest-rated drama series in FX Networks’ history. Sutter has a long history with the network, having began his television career as a staff writer on FX drama “The Shield,” eventually rising to the position of executive producer. Following the conclusion of “Sons,” he also created the shortlived FX period drama “The Bastard Executioner.”
James, who was named one of Variety‘s 10 Directors to Watch for his debut feature, “Little Birds,” founded the anti-racist street gang FSU in Boston before moving to Los Angeles, honing his talent at the Sundance Institute Feature Film program. “Little Birds,” which stars Juno Temple and Leslie Mann, premiered in competition at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival. A few months later, James began serving a prison sentence for a past gang-related charge of federal extortion. “Little Birds” was released in 2012 by Millennium Entertainment and the film went on to win a National Board of Review award. James is next slated to direct “A Million Little Pieces” for John Wells and Plan B Entertainment, and is developing a film on the tumultuous life of actress Jean Seberg for Electric City, adapted from the biography “Breathless” by Garry McGee.
“Mayans MC” hails from Fox 21 Television Studios and FX Productions. Sutter is represented by WME; James is repped by WME, Electric City, and Gang, Tyre, Ramer & Brown.