MobLand is the kind of show where just the cast alone makes you take notice. Pierce Brosnan, Helen Mirren, and Tom Hardy; those names carry gravitas. Tie them all together in a show about a London crime family, and you’ve got great television. You also apparently get a lot of great drama off the screen. The show has been making waves over whether or not Hardy will be involved in a potential third season. We want to cover a bit of the back and forth, but also defer to Dame Helen Mirren. Why? Because the Dame is setting the record straight.
Success and Rumors
When Paramount+ renewed MobLand for season two, there was reason to be optimistic. Too many shows often get the “one and done” treatment by streamers. Many get the “two and done” as well, but that’s another bridge to cross at another time. Rumors started flying, however, that not all was well on the set. Reports were coming in alleging that Tom Hardy was proving difficult to work with. So difficult that he was fired. But was he actually?
More recent reports were that he wasn’t fired and efforts were being made to have him still around and involved for season 3. If there were difficulties on set that impacted the working experience, Dame Helen Mirren doesn’t seem to be troubled by them. When she was asked if she’d work with Hardy again, she replied, “Absolutely. In a fucking heartbeat.” She continued, “Different actors have different processes. I’ve learnt over the years that some people get to things faster. As long as what’s on the screen is fantastic, I’m totally chilled with however someone gets there. Tom is a very special person. I think he’s absolutely remarkable.”
Reading Between the Lines
Her response does seem to indicate that Hardy might be exhibiting a working method that’s impacting others. As she stated, she’s “totally chilled with however someone gets there” in terms of putting up a good on-screen performance. That makes it sound as if maybe other people aren’t “chilled.” Only the people on set could know this, and we don’t want to put words in anyone’s mouth. Especially Dame Helen Mirren. But one thing’s for sure. When you have her support, you REALLY have her support.
She’s also correct that Tom Hardy is an incredible actor who has given the world several great performances. We hope that things work out so that he returns for season three of MobLand without any compromises to his character’s story or the overall plot. Hardy consistently brings intensity to his roles even in things he’s not thrilled to be in. (Go read up on Star Trek: Nemesis.)
We will provide more updates on this story as they become available.
