Dame Helen Mirren has spoken out in support of Tom Hardy following his reported departure from the acclaimed Paramount+ series MobLand. The Oscar-winning actress addressed the situation at the Taormina Film Festival, praising her former co-star.
Tom Hardy's Exit from MobLand
It was reported that the 48-year-old actor would not return for the third series of MobLand after a reported 'furious bust-up' with producers. The ending of the season two finale, which was nearly complete, required significant changes, reportedly costing the production company a substantial amount of money.
Dame Helen, who stars alongside Pierce Brosnan, Joanne Froggatt, and Paddy Considine in the series, weighed in on the speculation about Hardy's potential return. She expressed her admiration for Hardy and her hope that he would rejoin the show.
Helen Mirren's Praise for Tom Hardy
'I love Tom,' Mirren told Deadline. 'I think he's the most amazing actor. I've always loved him on screen and different actors have different processes. I've learned over the years that some people get things fast and other people took time. As long as what's on the screen is fantastic, I'm totally chilled with whatever, however anyone gets there. Tom is a very special person. He's got the kindest heart... I think he's absolutely remarkable. So my support of him is genuine and heartfelt.'
When asked if she believed Hardy would return, Mirren remained optimistic. She also shared a supportive message on Instagram, writing: 'Love you now and always, Helen.'
Financial Impact of Hardy's Exit
The cost of Hardy's unexpected departure could reach millions, as producers are forced to reshoot scenes. The actor, known for roles in Peaky Blinders, Venom, and The Dark Knight Rises, will not reprise his role as gangster fixer Harry Da Souza. This has prompted executives to make major decisions and plan ahead for the recently announced third season.
Writing for the Puck newsletter, Matthew Belloni claimed: 'I'm told Paramount recently opted not to pick up Hardy for season three after his clashes with producers Jez Butterworth and David Glasser, among others, during the recent production of season two.'
Restructuring the Series
An insider told The Sun: 'The role is pivotal to the story, so he can't just disappear in season three - there has to be some sort of explanation for his absence. That means they will have to alter the end of the second series, which has only just been made - and that will cost millions in extra time spent developing, filming and editing.'
It remains unclear whether Hardy will return to film new scenes or if producers will need to creatively resolve the second series before tackling the third.
