UPDATED 10/29, 5:21p.m. ET: Kurt Sutter spoke to Deadline for an interview about being fired from FX's Mayans M.C. During the chat, Sutter said that his relationship with Disney began to sour over a joke that he "knew it would ring some bells."
"It all started with a joke. And not a very good one," Sutter explained. "There was a line in the Season 2 premiere. EZ [JD Pardo] and Coco [Richard Cabral] were getting off the bus at the school where the drugs were being processed. There was supposed to be a really gnarly playground out front. Filled with debris, dangerous looking swings, sharp objects, rusty jungle gym, etc. As they exited, Coco sees EZ’s distracted and says: Lighten up Boy Scout, and gesturing to the playground, says, We’re going to Disneyland. EZ replies: Yeah? Guess this is where Walt buried all the Jews he had killed. Coco comments: That’s dark man… And exits."
Kurt Sutter Eyes End Of His Fox/Disney Deal & Dishes The Walt Disney Joke He Believes Got Him Fired From ‘Mayans MC:’ Q&A https://t.co/LQMt529fad pic.twitter.com/T7I4h5Ebjv
— Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) October 29, 2019
Sutter says that he decided to complicate the situation further after he was asked to remove the joke. "So when I was informed that the Walt, Jew killing line had to go, I agreed and changed it to…We’re going to Disneyland," Sutter said. "And now EZ says, Yeah… if Mickey and Pluto were pedophiles."
Sutter went on to acknowledge that it "was a 'fuck you' on my part." He continued, "And with every request to remove it, I left it in every subsequent pre-production draft. Knowing that I’d change it in the production pages after I saw the location. But a couple days before we started prep, I got a call from a very tired and beleaguered Dana Walden, asking me to please take it out."
Head over to Deadline to read the full interview.
See original story below.
The creator of Sons of Anarchy and Mayans M.C. has been fired by FX for being, in his own words, "an abrasive dick," according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Kurt Sutter sent a letter to the staff of the FX series noting that he was on the way out. He said that his departure came after Disney —which owns 20th Century Fox and FX — investigated his conduct on the set and found that he had created a chaotic and confusing work environment.
"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," Sutter explained in the letter. "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."
Sutter said that the show will continue to be run by the series co-creator James Elgin.
"I’m not sure what the fate of Mayans M.C. holds. But if it continues, you’ll still be in good hands," Sutter wrote. "I’m sure FX will get him the support he needs to find and follow his vision."
Take a look at the full letter below.
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