Helen Mirren has spoken out in defense of her "MobLand" co-star Tom Hardy, addressing reports of on-set conflicts and emphasizing the importance of allowing space for creative exploration. Mirren, reprising her role as Maeve Harrigan in the second season of Guy Ritchie and Ronan Bennett's gangster series, stated that individuals should be "free to f*** up" during the creative process.
Reports of tension between Hardy and production during the filming of "MobLand" season two had previously led to speculation about his departure from the show. However, sources indicated that Hardy and producers Jez Butterworth and David Glasser were working through creative differences, with the door remaining open for potential involvement in a third season.
Mirren, who has publicly supported Hardy in the past, shared her perspective on working with different personalities as one ages. "You do learn certain things as you get older," she told Radio Times. "About how to work with people, really. ... What you learn is every single person is different; every single person has their own way of doing things. There's not one way, there's a million different ways."
She further elaborated that the ultimate goal is to achieve a strong final product, whether on screen or stage, and this requires an environment where everyone feels free to create, explore, experiment, and make mistakes. Mirren acknowledged her own history of "endlessly" making errors.
The first season of "MobLand" is set to premiere on September 18 on Paramount+. Mirren also highlighted her enjoyment of ensemble work, noting that "MobLand" is "very ensemble. It suits me just fine."
Reports of Hardy's potential exit from "MobLand" first surfaced in May, citing clashes with producers. Despite these reports, a source close to the production informed Variety that Hardy was not fired and that creative matters were being resolved. Director Guy Ritchie is reportedly involved in managing discussions between Hardy and other producers, as he appreciates working with the actor.
Amidst the ongoing discussions, there has been a notable viewer backlash to the reports of Hardy's departure, with some sources suggesting that producers may have underestimated his popularity. A source indicated that the audience's strong reaction has shifted the narrative, with some now believing the show cannot continue without Hardy.
Hardy is reportedly planning to take a hiatus from work with his wife, actress Charlotte Riley, to spend time with their two children. His potential frustration during "MobLand" production was allegedly linked to script-writing delays that impacted his family plans.