Despite rumours of conflict, Helen Mirren has stated that she would work with Tom Hardy again “in a f***ing heartbeat.” Reports began circulating several weeks ago that Hardy had been fired from MobLand and was unlikely to return for the third season of the Paramount+ series. However, a subsequent report stated that he was not officially fired, and discussions are underway to have him return.
Helen Mirren on Tom Hardy
Mirren was pretty clear when asked by Variety if she would continue to work with Hardy. “Absolutely,” she said. “In a f***ing heartbeat.“
“I love Tom, I think he’s the most amazing actor,” she continued. “Different actors have different processes. I’ve learnt over the years that some people get to things faster. As long as what’s on the screen is fantastic, I’m totally chilled with however someone gets there. Tom is a very special person. I think he’s absolutely remarkable. My support of him is genuine and heartfelt.“
MobLand hasn’t officially been renewed for a third season, but Mirren hopes the show will continue. “When you have powerful artistic people working together, the creative process is challenging,” she said. “People will get their knickers in a twist as we say. We will go forward, absolutely, and it will be even better.“
What’s Going On?
The initial report stated that Hardy was having issues with writer/executive producer Jez Butterworth as well as David Glasser, leading to Hardy holding up the production and insisting on rewrites. A Variety report cited insiders who believe there’s fault on both sides.
Hardy was reportedly unhappy because Butterworth consistently delivered scripts late, sometimes just a week before shooting. Hardy likes to have time to prepare and rehearse, so this caused issues. The actor would also suggest script changes, but Butterworth was rarely on set and couldn’t address them.
“Often his ideas are very sound,” one source said of Hardy. “And he wants them taken seriously. Jez kind of hasn’t got the time to deal with those notes, so it becomes problematic.” Another production source added, “The only people [Butterworth] really speaks to is David Glasser. Very few people on the cast or crew have anything to do with Jez. We never see him.” Another source disputed this.
Butterworth has had several other major projects on the go, including The Agency, another Paramount+ show, and Sam Mendes’ Beatles biopics. “I think Jez is basically spread too thin. He’s taken on too many jobs,” said one source.
The comment section exists to allow readers to discuss the article constructively and respectfully, focused on the topic at hand.
What’s Not Allowed