Behind-the-Scenes Tensions on MobLand Set
The star-studded gritty drama that tells the story of warring crime families in London has become the center of attention not just for its compelling narrative, but also for the real-life personal battle unfolding between two of its biggest stars. The show, MobLand, which is a much-watched Paramount+ series, has seen relations between Dame Helen Mirren and Tom Hardy become increasingly strained as they film the second series.
Sources on the set of MobLand have revealed that the actress, who portrays the formidable matriarch Maeve Harrigan in Guy Ritchie’s acclaimed series, is growing frustrated with the actor’s attitude on set. One insider mentioned that Dame Helen, 80, is becoming increasingly annoyed by Hardy’s lateness, while another crew member noted that the actor can often be found playing games on his phone during filming.
Dame Helen, known for her professionalism and discipline, is reportedly struggling to work closely with Hardy after they reunited last month to film the second series. Hardy, who reprises his role as gangster fixer Harry Da Souza, has been described as charming on screen, but off-screen, his behavior has caused tension.
One source said: “Tom’s character is charming. He’s the calm one, but it’s quite the opposite when the cameras stop. Dame Helen is a joy, she is a total pro and has worked with so many people over the years. But she is getting increasingly frustrated with Tom and his attitude. He can be late to filming too, and that is annoying for Dame Helen, who is extremely professional and disciplined.”
The source added: “His tone is something Dame Helen doesn’t like, along with his lateness. She expects better. She holds people to a high standard. She’s 80. She’s been there and seen it all. The behind-the-scenes crew watch it all and believe that she no longer looks as happy working on scenes with him. It has all become quite personal between them. It feels like Tom is winding her up. There is much chatter that he swaggers around like he’s the king. He is very, very arrogant. It’s a fantastic show and everyone loves working on it. It’s such a shame there is this undertone.”
Another source shared that Hardy, who is married to Peaky Blinders actress Charlotte Riley, 43, has a tendency to get cross behind the scenes. A representative for the actor did not respond when asked if he wished to comment.
Hardy and Dame Helen were reunited just over four weeks ago when they began filming the second season of the show. The cast also includes Pierce Brosnan, 72, as Dame Helen’s on-screen husband, Conrad, and Downton Abbey actress Joanne Froggatt, 45, as Jan Da Souza, the wife of Hardy’s character. Last week, they were filming at locations in the Cotswolds and at Tower Bridge.
This is not the first time that Hardy’s on-set tendencies have come under scrutiny. He clashed with South African actress Charlize Theron while they were filming Mad Max: Fury Road, which released in 2015, due to creative differences, lateness, and his immersive acting style, leading to a tense environment. His behavior reportedly left Ms. Theron feeling threatened enough to require on-set protection.
Hardy later admitted he wasn’t the acting partner Ms. Theron needed and was “out of his depth.”