Titus Welliver and J.K. Simmons' upcoming period crime drama TV show,The Westies, lands a star fromOzarkin a series regular role as filming approaches. Created by Chris Brancato and Michael Panes, the upcomingcrime drama TV serieson MGM+ focuses on the titular Irish-American gang in the 1980s. Welliver stars as NYPD police officer Glenn Keenan, who has past connections to the Westies, while Simmons stars as the charming yet serious leader of the gang, Eamon Sweeney. Filming for the series has already been confirmed for July 2025, with shooting to begin in Toronto, Canada.
Now,Deadlinereports that Jessica Frances Dukes has joinedThe Westiesin a series regular role. Best known for her role as Special Agent Maya Miller inOzark,she will be portraying Birdie Polk, the Special Agent in Charge for the FBI’s Gambino Task Force. Described as “sharp and unflinching,” she’ll have an important role as she investigates the titular gang and tries to take them down. As for the challenges set in her path, more will be revealed as the series progresses.
What Jessica Frances Dukes' Casting Means For The Westies
Her TV Roles Make Her Perfect As A Special Agent
Dukes is no stranger to crime shows, havingjoined thecast ofOzarkin season 3 as an FBI agent investigating the Byrde family. She’s also familiar with starring in MGM+ shows, previously starring as Emma in the network’s 2024 post-apocalyptic miniseriesEarth Abides. She will also be joining the cast of HBO’sThe Gilded Ageseason 3as Athena Trumbo. Given the number of versatile roles she’s held on TV over the last few years, she’s a fitting candidate to be the lead investigator into the gang’s criminal activities.
Her role in the story will be vital as the gang is forced to deal with a multitude of issues at the same time. This includes trying to reap the rewards of the Jacob Javitz Convention Center being built nearby,climbing despite being outnumbered by the Italian mafia’s Five Families.However, internal and external conflicts are doomed to collide as the series progresses. While this is Welliver’s first main role after theend ofBosch: Legacy, his characters' police and gang connections will likely put him in the middle of Simmons and Dukes as events play out.
Our Take On Dukes' Casting In The Westies
She’s Already Proven Her Abilities To Portray An FBI Agent
Dukes' role as Maya inOzarkalready proved her ability to play a no-nonsense FBI agent with a complex character arc across seasons 3 and 4. This same type of portrayal can translate over toThe Westies, as her character becomes embroiled in learning more about the titular family and trying to bring them down. With her joining both Welliver and Simmons onscreen, she’ll be bolstering an already star-studded cast with her talent.
The Westies
Cast
Set in 1980s New York, The Westies follows the ruthless Irish gang as they navigate a precarious alliance with the Italian Mafia amid a lucrative construction project. Internal power struggles put them on a collision course with both their rivals and the FBI, risking their hold on Hell’s Kitchen.
