Helen Mirren has spoken out in defense of her "MobLand" co-star Tom Hardy, addressing reports of on-set tension and potential departure from the series. Mirren, who reprises her role as Maeve Harrigan in the second season of the gangster drama, stated that individuals should be "free to f*** up" to foster a creative environment.
Reports emerged in May suggesting Hardy had clashed with producers Jez Butterworth and David Glasser during the filming of season two, leading to speculation about his involvement in future installments. However, a source close to the production told Variety that Hardy was not fired and that discussions were ongoing regarding creative differences for season three.
Mirren, who previously expressed her support for Hardy on Instagram and stated she would work with him again, reflected on her evolving approach to professional collaboration. "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."
She elaborated that the ultimate goal is a strong final product, whether on screen or stage. "The only way to do that is for everyone to feel that they can be free to create and explore and experiment and f*** up," Mirren said, admitting she herself has "endlessly" made mistakes.
"MobLand," co-created by Guy Ritchie and Ronan Bennett, is set to premiere its second season on September 18 on Paramount+. Mirren highlighted her enjoyment of working in an ensemble, which she finds characteristic of the series.
Despite reports of Hardy's potential departure, season three is scheduled to begin production this autumn. Hardy's character, Harry, a fixer for the Harrigan crime family, was reportedly not written out of season two's conclusion. Guy Ritchie, an executive producer and director on the show, is said to be involved in facilitating conversations between Hardy and other producers, as he values working with the actor.
Meanwhile, producers have reportedly been surprised by the significant viewer backlash to the reports of Hardy's exit, with some suggesting the show's future hinges on his participation. Hardy, reportedly, plans to take an extended break from acting after 2026 to spend time with his children, which has been complicated by production delays on "MobLand."