Dame Helen Mirren has firmly denied suggestions of a feud with MobLand co-star Tom Hardy, following reports that the actor was dismissed from the British crime drama after clashing with producers. Speaking at the Taormina Film Festival, the Oscar-winning actress said she would work with Hardy again “in a heartbeat” and attributed any tension to differing working styles.
“Different actors have different processes – I’ve learned over the years that some people get things fast and other people took time,” Mirren said, according to Deadline. She added: “I love Tom – I think he’s the most amazing actor. I’ve always loved him on screen.” Describing him as “a very special person” with “the kindest heart”, she said her support for him was “genuine and heartfelt”.
Reports last month claimed Hardy, 48, was dropped after repeatedly upsetting crew members and leaving Mirren, 80, and Pierce Brosnan, 73, waiting for hours. However, a source close to production later told Variety that Hardy had not been fired and that “the door is not closed for season three”, with creative differences being worked through. Mirren acknowledged the challenges of collaborating with strong artistic personalities, saying: “People can get their knickers in a twist, as we say. But yes, we will go forward, absolutely, and it’ll be even better.”
Mobland, which debuted on Paramount+ in 2025, follows two rival mob families battling to protect their empires. Hardy’s past on-set friction with Charlize Theron during Mad Max: Fury Road resurfaced in a 2022 book, with crew recalling a heated confrontation over tardiness. Hardy later admitted that “the pressure on both of us was overwhelming at times” and said he was “in over my head in many ways”.
