Charlie Hunnam’s upcoming show on Prime Video is exciting, but before that, viewers must check out hisSons of Anarchyfollow-up series on Apple TV+. Considering his long line of work, Charlie Hunnam has been associated with many movie and television roles. However, long before he became a household name, he landed his first major role in the Channel 4 dramaQueer as Folk. Since then, the actor has gradually expanded and diversified his acting portfolio by starring in many acclaimed movies andshows, likeSons of Anarchy,The Lost City of Z, andJungleland.
Although Hunnam is associated with many movie and television projects, his performance asJax Teller inSons of Anarchyis often touted as his best. None of the shows Hunnam has starred in have been able to emulateSons of Anarchy’s success, but it looks like that might change soon. With the actor all set to star in an upcoming TV show on Prime Video, it seems like he will soon have another hit series under his belt. However, before his new show premieres, viewers should check out his underrated post-Sons of Anarchyseries, which gives a glimpse of his potential as a leading man.
Jax Teller Fans Must Watch Charlie Hunnam In Shantaram Before His Next Crime Drama
Hunnam’s Criminal Archetypes Have An Intriguing Continuity
Apple TV+‘sShantaramwas Charlie Hunnam’s first TV show afterSons of Anarchy, and Amazon Prime Video’sCriminalwill be his second. All three shows are not directly connected in any way. Yet, it is hard not to notice howall three represent Hunnam’s evolution in the crime drama genre. InSons of Anarchy, Hunnam played a more reactive and violent outlaw who struggled with many internal conflicts, often torn between choosing his loyalty towards his biker gang and his growing responsibilities towards his family.
AlthoughShantaram’s protagonist, too, has a criminal background like Jax Teller, he is more introspective and philosophical with his world views as he finds himself slipping into the machinations of Mumbai’s underbelly.
The actor then played Lindsay “Linbaba” Ford in Apple TV+ adaptation of Gregory David Roberts’sShantaram.The show portrayed him as a former bank robber who escaped prison and fled to India to find a semblance of redemption. AlthoughShantaram’s protagonist, too, has a criminal background like Jax Teller, he is more introspective and philosophical with his world views as he finds himself slipping into the machinations of Mumbai’s underbelly.
Similarly, inPrime Video’sCriminal, Charlie Hunnam has been cast to play Leo Patterson. If the show loyally adapts Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips’s original comic book series, Hunnam’s character will be portrayed as a careful thief who keeps himself out of trouble at all costs. He is considered cowardly because of his inability to put himself in any compromising situations. Even though Hunnam’s roles inShantaram,Sons of Anarchy, andCriminalhave no direct connective threads,they all share many overlaps and seemingly complement one another.
Why Apple TV+ Canceled Shantaram After One Season
Shantaram Season 1 Received A Mixed Set Of Reviews
While the precise reason forShantaram’s cancellation on Apple TV+ has not been disclosed, the show’s inability to acquire mainstream popularity might have been a massive contributor to its early end. When it premiered on Apple TV+,Shantaramalso got a mixed set of reviews from critics and still has an underwhelming Rotten Tomatoes score of 57%. It would still be fair to callShantaramunderrated because,when it comes to its viewer ratings on RT, the series holds an impressive 85% score.
Many viewers have praised the series for its strong performances, unique storytelling, and ability to bring something new to the table.Shantaram’s cancellation cameafter a long struggle to adapt the original book. Before the show finally landed on Apple TV+ with Hunnam as its lead, even actors like Johnny Depp were associated with earlier potential adaptations of the book. MaybeShantaramdeserves an even better adaptation and will probably even get one in the future. However, the Apple TV+ show is still a noteworthy attempt at adapting the book and deserves more attention.
Everything We Know About Charlie Hunnam’s Upcoming Show, Criminal
Criminal Is Based On An Acclaimed Comic Book Series
Based on Ed Brubaker’s Eisner Award-winning comic book series,Criminalis known for reinventing the crime genre with its ability to riff on common tropes with a more realistic and gritty storytelling approach. Apart from Charlie Hunnam, many renowned actors likeEmilia Clarke, Garrett Hedlund, Chris Diamantopoulos, Lawrence Kao, Kyle Bradley Davis, Aina Brei’yon, Robert Lee Hart, Katie Stevens, and John Pyper-Fergusonhave also joined its roster.
Criminal’s filming started in June 2024 and was later wrapped in the fall of the same year. Although little seems to be known about its story and final release window, so far, it seems to hold immense potential becauseeven the original comic book author, Ed Brubaker, has been involved with it as the co-showrunner alongside Jordan Harper.
According to reports (viaBleeding Cool),Criminalseason 1 will cover the first two story arcs of the comic book series, “Coward” and “Lawless.”
Unfortunately, with no confirmed release date, it will be a while beforeCriminallands on Amazon Prime Video. Till then, audiences must check outShantaramandSons of Anarchyto understand how brilliantly Charlie Hunnam keeps reforming himself in the crime genre.
Cast
WHERE TO WATCH
Sons of Anarchy is centered around the Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle Club Redwood Original (SAMCRO), exploring the tensions between President Clay and Vice President Jax in the town of Charming. The narrative focuses on their differing visions for the club’s operations, blending legal and illegal enterprises.
Shantaram is a 2022 TV series based on Gregory David Roberts’ novel, following the story of Lin Ford (Charlie Hunnam), an Australian fugitive who escapes to 1980s Bombay. Seeking anonymity and redemption, he finds himself ensnared in the city’s underworld. The series delves into themes of crime, love, and self-discovery amidst the vibrant cultural backdrop of India.
Criminal
Based on the comic series, Criminal is an action crime series developed by Ed Brubaker and Jordan Harper for Prime Video. This adaptation follows various characters within and adjacent to a bustling criminal underworld and comprises several arcs that occasionally intersect. The series was greenlit by Amazon in 2024.
