Posted in: FX, Trailer, TV | Tagged: cable, Elgin James, fx, Kurt Sutter, mayans m.c., SAMCRO, SoA, sons of anarchy, streaming, television, tv

"Mayans M.C.": Kurt Sutter Fired from "Sons of Anarchy" Spinoff Series; Pens Letter [REPORT]

It appears Sons of Anarchy spinoff Mayans M.C. co-creator Elgin James won't have to wait as long as he thought to be the lone showrunner, with Kurt Sutter reportedly fired from his role as series co-showrunner. The news comes a little more than a month after Sutter announced he would be stepping down from his role if Mayans M.C. was picked up for future seasons (see below), with Variety reporting from sources close to the matter.

Reportedly, the decision was made by FX CEO John Landgraf and Disney TV Studios and ABC Entertainment chairman Dana Walden and was based on "several complaints " made about Sutter's "behavior on the set of the series." Sutter notified the series' cast and crew of his departure via email – it's still not known how this could impact his overall deal with 20th Century Fox Television, which included 20th TV, Fox 21, and FX Productions.

Here's a look at the letter Sutter sent to the Mayans team (from exclusive reporting from The Hollywood Reporter):

Dear Team Mayans,

Apparently, Disney HR and Business Affairs has conducted an investigation into the unacceptable conditions that have been created on the set of Mayans in season 2. As you know, I've removed myself quite a bit this season, allowing others to take a bigger role in producing the show. It appears that philosophy has backfired. It's been reported by writers, producers, cast and crew that my absence and subsequent behavior when there, has only created confusion, chaos, hostility and is perceived as abandonment. Or at least that's how Disney has interpreted it. I'm sure it's true.

This morning I was fired by Dana Walden and John Landgraf for all the complaints levied against me. Not the way I wanted to end my 18 year relationship with FX. At least being fired for being an abrasive dick is on brand.

I deeply apologize if I've made people feel less than or unsupported. My intention was literally the opposite. But clearly I've not been paying attention. My arrogance and chronic distraction has created wreckage. Just know, I adore this cast and crew.

I'm not sure what the fate of Mayans MC holds. But if it continues, you'll still be in good hands. As I said at the premier, Elgin is ready to take on the challenge of running the show. I'm sure FX will get him the support he needs to find and follow his vision.

For those of you who wanted me gone, you win! For those of you who didn't, you win too. Although I will no longer be involved, I have no doubt the new team will move things forward with the same quality fans have come to expect.

Thank you for the honor of working with all of you.

I don't need, nor want, replies or condolences. I know where the love is. And for those of you who have it, I'm sure our paths will cross again.

Best,
ks

The news comes after Sutter had previously said that he was planning to step down from his role as co-showrunner on the series to allow co-creator and co-showrunner Elgin James sole run of the show.

Sutter made some serious waves at in August at the official season premiere, announcing that he was stepping down from his executive producer role if the series was picked up for a third season. At the Hollywood screening, Sutter emphasized that a series centered on a Mexican motorcycle gang based on the California-Mexico border should be spear-headed by a person of color: "It's time for the white man to leave the building."

While initial reports were met with a sudden social media panic, fans took heart in knowing that the helm would still be run within the Mayans M.C. family: James would assume the role of showrunner for future seasons.

Here's what James had to say about his new role and working with Sutter for the past two seasons:

"Kurt Sutter changed my life. I couldn't get a job in a Walmart or a Costco as a violent ex-felon. He took a shot on me … I don't know what he saw in me … and the last two years I've learned so much from him that it's left me speechless, really. I love everyone on our show so much. We've become a family. I'm so excited about what we get to do."

As for Elgin being ready to take on the responsibility? No worries, fans… looks like Elgin already has the right approach:

"F— yeah. I'm wearing a suit! Yeah, I am. Being the boss, all that means is taking the chains off and letting everybody do what they do. Everyone on our crew, our writers' room and in our cast is brilliant. Our job is easy. Just turn the cameras on and let the chemistry happen."

Set in a post-Jax Teller world, Ezekiel "EZ" Reyes (JD Pardo) is a prospect in the Mayans M.C. charter on the Cali/Mexi border. Once the golden boy with the American Dream in his grasp, EZ is trying to reconcile with his brother "Angel" (Clayton Cardenas) while searching for the truth behind their mother's death. Meanwhile, their father "Felipe" (Edward James Olmos) is struggling to lead his sons down a righteous path.

Co-created by Sutter and James, Mayans M.C. also stars Sarah Bolger, Michael Irby, Carla Baratta, Antonio Jaramillo, Raoul Max Trujillo, Richard Cabral, Danny Pino, and Emilio Rivera. The series is executive produced by Sutter, James, and Kevin Dowling. FX Productions and Fox 21 Television Studios produce.

At the end of the show's freshman season, James spoke about what he wants the focus of the second season to be: getting to the heart and soul (???) of the cast of character that populate the world of Mayans M.C.

"I just want to go deeper and rawer. [The cast] all met and we all fell in love with each other. I think a big part of that is realizing our hearts are all broken in the same places. And so now we have that trust in each other to go deeper."

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