Dame Helen Mirren has firmly denied any personal conflict with her 'MobLand' co-star Tom Hardy, following recent reports that suggested he was dismissed from the British crime drama due to on-set clashes. Mirren, 80, offered a robust defence of Hardy, 48, stating her willingness to work with him again and attributing any reported tensions to varying professional approaches rather than personal animosity.
Reports had circulated last month claiming Hardy was axed from the series after the conclusion of season two's production, citing repeated disagreements with behind-the-scenes personnel. An unnamed source, speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, alleged that Hardy's behaviour, including prolonged delays in leaving his trailer, caused significant waiting times for co-stars Mirren and Pierce Brosnan, 73, and led to friction with producers.
However, speaking at the Taormina Film Festival, as reported by Deadline, Mirren described Hardy as an 'amazing actor' and 'a very special person' with 'the kindest heart'. She explained, 'Different actors have different processes – I’ve learned over the years that some people get things fast and other people took time.' Mirren emphasised that her primary concern is the quality of the final product, stating, 'As long as what’s on the screen is fantastic, I’m totally chilled with whatever, however anyone gets there.'
While initial reports from some outlets suggested Hardy had been definitively fired, a source close to the production told Variety in May that 'Tom was not fired, the door is not closed for season three, and things are being worked through creatively.' This indicates that despite acknowledged behind-the-scenes tension between Hardy and producers Jez Butterworth and David Glasser, efforts are underway to resolve creative differences for the future of the series.
Mirren also expressed support for writer Jez Butterworth, who was among those rumoured to have clashed with Hardy. She acknowledged the challenges inherent when 'very powerful artistic people working together,' noting that the creative process can be demanding and lead to misunderstandings, but expressed confidence that the show would 'go forward, absolutely, and it’ll be even better.' This situation echoes Hardy's past, notably a well-publicised feud with Charlize Theron on the set of 'Mad Max: Fury Road' in 2015, which he later attributed to being 'in over my head in many ways.'