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Tom Hardy Reflects on Reunion with Guy Ritchie in New Crime Series “MobLand”
NEW YORK – Acclaimed actor Tom Hardy, known for his roles in blockbuster hits and gritty dramas, credits his experiences working with director Guy Ritchie, despite their limited direct interaction on the 2008 film “RocknRolla,” as formative to his career. Now, Hardy and Ritchie have reunited for the highly anticipated crime thriller series “MobLand,” airing on Paramount+.
Early Collaboration and Evolving Careers
Reflecting on his initial experience with Ritchie, Hardy explained, “I didn’t have extensive direct collaboration with him during our first project. Gerard Butler headlined ‘RocknRolla,’ and many of us functioned in supporting roles.” He added, “It afforded me the opportunity to observe a Guy Ritchie set from a unique vantage point, experiencing the dynamics without the primary responsibilities of a lead actor.”
Reunion in “MobLand” After Years of Growth
Over the past 17 years, both Ritchie and Hardy have witnessed significant career ascensions. Ritchie has solidified his reputation as a distinguished director, while Hardy has risen to global superstardom, captivating audiences as Bane in “The Dark Knight Rises” and as the titular antihero in the “Venom” franchise. Their paths converged once more for “MobLand,” a series described as both gritty and sophisticated.
“I eagerly anticipated the chance to collaborate with him again,” Hardy stated, highlighting their shared British background and Ritchie’s impressive body of work. “I was genuinely interested in engaging with him in a professional capacity at this stage in our careers. It proved to be a thoroughly enjoyable experience.”
Hardy’s Character: The Composed Fixer in “MobLand”
In the Paramount+ original series, Hardy embodies Harry Da Souza, a formidable yet collected fixer entrenched within a London crime syndicate. Da Souza is tasked with a critical mission: locating the missing son of a rival organization to avert a potentially devastating gang conflict.
Embracing the Role: Natural Fit for Hardy
When questioned about his preparation for portraying such a commanding yet balanced character, Hardy quipped with a laugh, “‘No acting required.’ It felt intuitive, really. Just show up, understand the role, deliver the lines, and try not to stumble over anything.”
“MobLand” Airing on Paramount+
The second episode of the 10-part “MobLand” series premiered Sunday on Paramount+.
Behind the Scenes: Creation and Production
“MobLand” is the brainchild of Ronan Bennett, acclaimed for his work on crime dramas such as “The Day of the Jackal” and “Top Boy,” and co-written with playwright Jez Butterworth. Ritchie not only served as an executive producer but also directed the initial two episodes. Originally conceived as a spin-off from Showtime’s popular “Ray Donovan,” “MobLand” evolved into a standalone series.
Star-Studded Supporting Cast
Adding to the series’ prestige, two-time Academy Award winner Helen Mirren portrays Maeve, the cunning and manipulative matriarch of the crime family. Pierce Brosnan co-stars as her husband and the mob’s leader, marking a reunion for the pair since their collaboration in the 1980 film “The Long Good Friday.”
Mirren Embraces a Unique Role
Mirren suggests that even after a celebrated career, roles continue to emerge that offer unexpected challenges. “Characters constantly appear that surprise you, prompting thoughts like, ‘I’ve never undertaken anything quite like this before,'” observed the “1923” star. She believes the distinction between film and television production has become increasingly blurred. “This continuous exploration into vastly different worlds is one of the genuine appeals of my profession.”
Intrigue of Working with Tom Hardy
Mirren revealed that the prospect of working alongside Hardy was a significant draw. “Tom’s participation was a key factor in my decision to join the project, as I have long admired his performances,” Mirren stated. “Many actors demonstrate competence, they can perform, but certain individuals like Tom possess an inherent inner strength that translates directly to the screen. Tom embodies that quality. It’s undeniable star power.”
Ensemble Cast and Future Projects
The ensemble cast of “MobLand” also features Paddy Considine, Joanne Froggatt, Lara Pulver, Anson Boon, and Mandeep Dhillon. While “MobLand” marks a screen reunion for Mirren and Brosnan, they had previously collaborated on the forthcoming film “The Thursday Murder Club.”
Despite initial uncertainties surrounding the project, “MobLand” presented compelling reasons for Brosnan to commit, particularly Ritchie’s involvement, whose recent Netflix series “The Gentlemen” garnered attention.
Brosnan Praises Ritchie’s Directorial Style
Brosnan described Ritchie as “naughty, cheeky, and bold.” He continued, “I admire his work, his films, the distinctive cinematic identity he has forged. He is a uniquely gifted talent. Consequently, my answer was yes. I wanted to return to London. I wanted to work.”
Hardy’s Upcoming Ventures
Looking ahead, Hardy’s upcoming projects include the crime drama film “Havoc,” scheduled for release later this month. There are also persistent rumors regarding a potential sequel to his 2015 film “Mad Max: Fury Road,” and a second season of “Taboo” is anticipated nearly a decade after its debut. Regarding a hypothetical “Spider-Man” and “Venom” crossover, Hardy addressed reports that a supposed project had faltered, clarifying that it had never been officially planned.
Clarifying Crossover Rumors
Addressing rumors surrounding a potential crossover, Hardy clarified, “Stories become exaggerated. I simply stated my desire to work with ‘Spider-Man,’ but it never materialized, which remains factual. It hasn’t happened. And currently, I am not involved in any ‘Venom’-’Spider-Man’ crossover plans. It is regrettable because my children would immensely enjoy seeing Venom and Spider-Man together,” Hardy concluded. “I, too, would have welcomed it.”