Helen Mirren has given the strongest hint yet that Tom Hardy could return to MobLand following reports that he had been fired. Last month, it was claimed that the Harry Da Souza actor had been axed following allegations of tardiness and clashes with producers.
It comes ahead of a potential third season, with the reports suggesting he gave unwarranted script notes and changed dialogue, and was dissatisfied with the show having an ensemble cast.
However, it was later reported that he was never fired, with talks to bring him back for a third run, while Mirren – who plays Maeve Harrigan – appeared to share her support for Hardy.
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The Oscar-winner has now given further backing to her co-star, responding to Variety when asked whether she would continue to work with him: "Absolutely. In a f**king heartbeat.
"I love Tom, I think he’s the most amazing actor," she added. "Different actors have different processes. I’ve learnt over the years that some people get to things faster.
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"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."
The star also expressed a desire to see another season of MobLand, continuing: "When you have powerful artistic people working together, the creative process is challenging. People will get their knickers in a twist as we say. We will go forward, absolutely, and it will be even better."
The initial reports claimed that Hardy clashed with producer David C Glasser and screenwriter Jez Butterworth, though a subsequent update said this wasn't the case, even while on-set tension was apparent.
It also suggested that the situation could have been resolved more rapidly, though the claims of Hardy's firing made the saga "drag on".
MobLand streams on Paramount+.
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Sam is a freelance reporter and sub-editor who has a particular interest in movies, TV and music. After completing a journalism Masters at City University, London, Sam joined Digital Spy as a reporter, and has also freelanced for publications such as NME and Screen International. Sam, who also has a degree in Film, can wax lyrical about everything from Lord of the Rings to Love Is Blind, and is equally in his element crossing every 't' and dotting every 'i' as a sub-editor.
