One pivotal performance from 20 years ago significantly influenced the casting of Charlie Hunnam as Jax Teller in the acclaimed series Sons of Anarchy. An in-depth examination of this iconic role reveals why he is an ideal choice for an upcoming crime drama, potentially serving as a worthy successor to Sons of Anarchy. The series, expertly crafted by Kurt Sutter, became a cultural phenomenon on FX, establishing itself as one of the highest-rated and most-watched programs on the network during its airing.

This widespread success prompted the expansion of its rich narrative universe through a spin-off titled Mayans M.C., which emerged after the original show concluded its impressive seven-season run. Numerous factors played into the phenomenal achievement of Sons of Anarchy, with Charlie Hunnam’s exceptional portrayal of Jax Teller being a standout element. Interestingly, it was a 20-year-old film role that initially positioned Hunnam to take on the lead character in Sons of Anarchy, underscoring his suitability for this new and thrilling crime drama.

Kurt Sutter Recognized Charlie Hunnam’s Potential for Jax Teller in Sons of Anarchy After Watching Him in Green Street Hooligans

Hunnam’s Role in Green Street Hooligans Showcased a Blend of Aggression and Vulnerability

The visionary creator of Sons of Anarchy, Kurt Sutter, disclosed that his first encounter with Charlie Hunnam was during the latter’s compelling performance as Pete Dunham in Green Street Hooligans. In Sutter’s words, “His performance was brutally raw” (as reported by Popculture). He observed a rare combination of danger and vulnerability in Hunnam’s portrayal, qualities that were essential for the character of Jax. This revelation emphasizes how pivotal the film Green Street Hooligans was in introducing Hunnam’s talents to Sutter, leading him to consider Hunnam for the role of Jax Teller in the groundbreaking series.

Serendipitously, both Sutter and Hunnam found themselves in Los Angeles, and after several productive meetings, they solidified the casting of Hunnam as Jax Teller, ultimately bringing this complex character to life. This story serves as a powerful reminder that a single performance, even if it doesn’t capture mainstream attention, can dramatically alter the course of an actor’s career. Hunnam’s casting is a testament to the impact of his role in Green Street Hooligans, showcasing the profound influence of individual performances in the entertainment industry.

In Green Street Hooligans, Charlie Hunnam embodies Pete Dunham, a charismatic leader within a local football hooligan group. The narrative intricately showcases how Pete relentlessly defends his friends and family, yet he often becomes ensnared by his misguided loyalty and pride tied to his club. Similarly, Jax Teller grapples with the tension of being an outlaw while striving to be a responsible father in Sons of Anarchy. The parallel struggles highlight Hunnam’s talent; he adeptly captures Dunham’s internal conflicts, which undoubtedly contributed to his casting as Jax Teller.

Charlie Hunnam’s Performance in Green Street Hooligans Solidifies His Role in Amazon’s Criminal

Exploring the Similarities Between Green Street’s Pete and Criminal’s Leo

Charlie Hunnam is set to make his much-anticipated return to television with the adaptation of Ed Brubaker’s Criminal comic series on Amazon Prime Video. This upcoming series marks Hunnam’s second television role following his iconic performance in Sons of Anarchy, heightening excitement among fans. What makes Criminal particularly intriguing is that Hunnam will once again portray a morally ambiguous character, this time embodying a clever and cautious thief named Leo Patterson. In many ways, Leo shares striking parallels with Jax Teller from Sons of Anarchy and Pete Dunham from Green Street Hooligans.

Even though all three characters navigate through a landscape filled with violence and deception, they exhibit remarkable loyalty to their comrades and loved ones. While Leo Patterson is inherently more reserved and risk-averse, he, akin to both Pete and Jax, prides himself on his intellect and ability to outsmart the system, until his decisions ultimately catch up with him. Considering the outstanding performances Charlie Hunnam delivered as Pete Dunham in Green Street Hooligans and as Jax Teller in Sons of Anarchy, it is reasonable to expect that he will create a striking portrayal of Leo Patterson in Criminal.

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  Green Street Hooligans

  Release Date

  September 9, 2005

  Runtime

  109 Minutes

  Director

  Lexi Alexander

  Writers

  Lexi Alexander, Dougie Brimson, Josh Shelov

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    Charlie Hunnam

    Pete Dunham

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    Claire Forlani

    Shannon Dunham

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  Criminal

  Network

  Prime Video

  Showrunner

  Ed Brubaker, Jordan Harper

  Writers

  Ed Brubaker