Tom Hardy's return to the world of MobLand has sparked a collective sigh of relief among fans, as the British actor is confirmed to reprise his role in the crime drama's third season. The news comes after a tumultuous period, with earlier reports suggesting that Hardy had been let go from the show due to alleged creative differences and script rewrites. But it seems that a behind-the-scenes resolution has been reached, paving the way for Hardy's 'fixer' character to continue causing chaos alongside co-stars Helen Mirren and Pierce Brosnan.
The drama began to unfold in May, when reports surfaced of Hardy's potential departure from the show. Insiders claimed that script rewrites had caused tension between Hardy and producers Jez Butterworth and David Glasser, with some even suggesting that the actor had been 'fired'. However, this narrative was disputed by a production source speaking to Variety, who revealed that issues were being ironed out and Hardy remained firmly on board. Helen Mirren also threw her support behind the beleaguered star on social media.
It seems that a productive meeting in London has been the catalyst for change, with Deadline reporting that Tom Hardy, Jez Butterworth, and executive producer David Glasser sat down to discuss the future of MobLand. The talks reportedly brought about a mutual understanding regarding the show's direction, with director Guy Ritchie also involved in the negotiations. With this hurdle overcome, work on the third season's script is said to be progressing.
Since its debut on Paramount+, MobLand has been making waves among fans of crime dramas, despite receiving a mixed response from critics. NME awarded the show three stars out of five, praising its 'laugh-out-loud moments and intriguing plot lines', but also noting that it largely echoed director Guy Ritchie's established style.
In the UK, MobLand is available to stream on Paramount+, a subscription service offering an extensive library of films and television shows. Tom Hardy remains one of British cinema and television's most recognisable talents, with a string of notable roles in productions such as 'Peaky Blinders', 'Taboo', and various feature films under his belt.