Charlie Hunnam, best known for his role as Jax Teller in Sons of Anarchy, is set to make a high-profile television return that could mark his next big moment in the spotlight. After his last TV project was cut short, Hunnam’s involvement in the much-anticipated Prime Video series Criminal positions him for what could be a significant new chapter, raising the question of whether this will be his true breakthrough after Sons of Anarchy. This potential milestone for Hunnam draws on both his career legacy and the powerful source material shaping his next move.
From Sons of Anarchy Stardom to a New Opportunity
Before achieving widespread fame as the iconic Jax Teller, Charlie Hunnam had already made his mark across several films and television shows, with credits that included Green Street Hooligans, Children of Men, and Queer as Folk. His success with Sons of Anarchy propelled him to broader recognition, allowing him to take on prominent roles in films such as The Gentlemen, Jungleland, and Triple Frontier. However, when it comes to returning to the small screen, replicating the massive impact of Sons of Anarchy has proven elusive for Hunnam.
His attempt at a television comeback with a leading role in the Apple TV+ adaptation of Shantaram, based on Gregory David Roberts’ novel, hinted at a promising revival. The show debuted in 2022 but failed to capture commercial or critical momentum and was canceled after just one season. Despite some dedicated viewers considering Shantaram an underrated gem, its limited reach ultimately curtailed its future and kept Hunnam’s TV breakthrough ambitions on hold.
Why ‘Criminal’ Promises a Different Outcome
Expectations for Hunnam’s new venture, Criminal, are rising well ahead of its release. Unlike his previous return to TV, several factors appear to be working in his favor this time. Criminal boasts a talented ensemble cast, including Adria Arjona, Emilia Clarke, Luke Evans, Richard Jenkins, and John Hawkes. The show is being developed for Prime Video, a platform known for successful adaptations such as Reacher, Jack Ryan, Invincible, and The Boys. Additionally, its foundation rests on acclaimed source material: the award-winning comic book series created by Ed Brubaker and illustrated by Sean Phillips.
The anticipation for Criminal extends to its genre ambitions. As an action crime series, the show is set in a world of intersecting criminal narratives, offering Hunnam another chance to embody a character with nuance and depth. For fans of complex crime stories and those who followed Hunnam’s journey from Sons of Anarchy to film, Criminal represents both a continuation and a reset.
Origin and Depth: Criminal’s Comic Book Heritage
Criminal began its life as a comic book series in 2006, written by Ed Brubaker—also the co-creator of Marvel’s Bucky Barnes (The Winter Soldier)—and artist Sean Phillips. The comics have earned acclaim for reimagining crime fiction conventions while staying grounded in compelling, believable characters. Brubaker’s reputation is further bolstered by his award-winning work across the comic world, including major titles like Batman, Uncanny X-Men, Daredevil, Incognito, and Fatale, demonstrating his ability to deliver intricate narratives with emotional punch.
The transition of Criminal from page to screen is significant not only because of its proven storytelling legacy, but also because Brubaker himself is directly involved in adapting his own work. As co-showrunner, writer, and executive producer, along with veteran Jordan Harper (whose credits include The Mentalist, Gotham, and Hightown), the series is positioned to remain loyal to its comic origins while benefitting from experienced showrunners.
Charlie Hunnam’s Role: Tackling a Layered New Character
Charlie Hunnam will lead the cast as Leo Patterson, a skilled thief whose presence dominates the criminal ecosystem at the heart of the story. Patterson is described as someone deeply familiar with the dark side of life, but motivated by self-imposed rules and a desire to keep himself and his crew out of unnecessary trouble. This code-driven approach to crime sets him apart from many traditional antiheroes and creates opportunities for nuanced performance.
In bringing Leo Patterson to life, Hunnam faces the unique challenge—and opportunity—of channeling the layered complexity that made his portrayal of Jax Teller resonant. While Patterson differs notably from Teller, he also shares thematic connections, such as living in the long shadow of a father’s legacy and navigating the blurred lines of loyalty and morality. Hunnam’s previous success in capturing conflicted, multi-dimensional characters bodes well for his ability to make Patterson memorable in a similar way.
The Creative Team: Why Ed Brubaker and Jordan Harper Matter
One of the key advantages setting Criminal apart from many adaptations is the direct involvement of its original creator, Ed Brubaker. Brubaker’s dual role as co-showrunner and writer, paired with Jordan Harper’s experience, creates a foundation for the series to preserve the strengths of the comic while adapting naturally to television’s demands. Their combined vision should help maintain the tension and nuance that earned the original comics critical praise.
The first season is expected to adapt the initial two story arcs from the comics—Coward and Lawless—giving viewers a strong introduction to Criminal’s unique brand of interconnected crime drama. Prime Video’s proven track record with series rooted in comic and literary material underlines hopes that this adaptation can achieve both creative integrity and widespread appeal.
Setting the Stage for Hunnam’s Television Renaissance
Criminal has the potential to become not just a career milestone for Charlie Hunnam, but also a standout for fans of sophisticated crime fiction on television. With a formidable cast, creatively invested showrunners, and Amazon’s support as distributor, all signs suggest that Criminal could give Hunnam the breakthrough he has sought since Sons of Anarchy. If the elements align—from the narrative’s complexity to Hunnam’s performance as Leo Patterson—the series could set a new bar for both actor and genre.
As anticipation builds for Criminal’s release, the project stands as a defining opportunity for Hunnam to reestablish himself as a leading man in the TV landscape. Prime Video viewers and longtime Sons of Anarchy fans alike will be watching closely to see if this latest role delivers the signature blend of intensity and nuance that once made Jax Teller a cultural touchstone. The stage is set for Charlie Hunnam’s new TV breakthrough after Sons of Anarchy, with Criminal showing all the promise of an event—rather than just another series—in the modern television era.
