Could 'Mayans MC' be cancelled? Fans worried that Disney Fox will axe show after creator Kurt Sutter's firing
Roughly a week ago, 'Mayans MC' showrunner Kurt Sutter was fired for being an "abrasive dick".
"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 behaviour when there, has only created confusion, chaos, hostility and is perceived as abandonment," he had written in an email to his cast and crew on October 17. "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”, adding that being fired for “being an abrasive dick” was “on brand".
But in a personal letter Sutter had sent to friends after Disney [the acquisition of 21st Century Fox by Disney took place on March 20, 2019] fired him, the creator is pissed. Apparently, the storyline was being "dumbed down" to the point that he was concerned for the "future of storytelling".
Since then, fans have been sceptical about not just the firing but the cancellation of the show altogether. Many fans of Sutter's works were shocked to hear his side of the story. "I realize it’s only his side, but it almost sounds like he should be suing Disney for slander and defamation. I mean, the guy has a pretty well-known reputation for being tough, but how else does great, uncompromising content get thru the machine? Like SOA. Like Mayans 1st season. Man, this is a bummer. And just thinking about what Disney owns now, and will probably ruin, is staggering. It’s a sad day for freedom folks," said one.
For every 10 fans who are urging others to sign petitions, there is one who has completely given up. "You think Disney gives a shit about this show? It won't last. Disney wants it gone. They won't give a shit what we do. It all just sucks."
The apparent drop in ratings from season 1 to season 2 is also a matter of concern among fans. When season 1 first aired in September 2018, it amassed 2.53 million viewers, and by the time it ended in November 2018, it had 1.31 viewers. Comparing that with the 1.39 million viewers that season 2 opened in September this year.
Others, however, are waiting till they get an official word. "Just because they haven’t renewed for season three yet, doesn’t mean the show is in jeopardy. Also, season two was announced right after season one ended. Plus, Sutter already announced Elgin will be at the helm of the production. 'Mayans MC' is ratings gold for FX and it has brought in a lot of money most likely. FX renewed a lot of shows that had poor ratings than 'Mayans'," pointed out a fan.
In August this year, Sutter had said that he would hand over the reigns of the show to co-creator Elgin James. "It’s time for the white guy to leave the building," he had said. "If we are lucky enough to have a season 3, I will be stepping back as day to day showrunner and handing the reins to my talented and passionate partner, Elgin James," he continued, but promised that he would be "involved in a producorial capacity".
And that is exactly why there are fans who believe that Sutter's firing might not be all that bad a thing. "You don't know what will happen, so don't automatically assume that Sutter's departure is the worst thing ever."
'Mayans MC' airs Tuesdays at 10 PM on FX.