The Hollywood veteran has downplayed rumours of on-set clashes with Tom Hardy during filming of the hit crime drama’s second series.
Addressing the Rumours
Speaking at the series premiere in central London, 73-year-old Brosnan insisted that reports of discord among the cast were vastly overstated. “Oh my God, it was a storm in a teacup, really,” he told reporters. “I love the dude. I love Tom Hardy. I’m a massive fan of the man’s work. Truly.”
The actor, who returns as Conrad Harrigan, patriarch of a powerful mob family, described the cast dynamic as familial rather than fraught. “We are rock solid as a company, as a family,” Brosnan said, adding that the fast-paced nature of production meant relationships remained professional rather than social.
Hardy’s Perspective
Tom Hardy, 48, who plays fixer Harry Da Souza, echoed sentiments of camaraderie when discussing his co-stars. “They’re awesome. In many aspects, of course, I look up to them,” he said. “Coming up, these are actors that came before me. So to be able to work with them is a privilege.”
The Bronson actor praised the veterans for continuing to push creative boundaries. “To watch them spread their wings with their range now as well, and play against their type in some aspects, and really enjoy that is a beautiful thing to watch as a human being.”
Helen Mirren’s Take
Dame Helen Mirren, 81, who portrays matriarch Maeve Harrigan, expressed hope for expanded scenes with Hardy in future series. “The relationships are amazing,” she said. “Obviously, Pierce and I have an extraordinary chemistry on-screen and off-screen. We’re very, very fond of each other. We respect each other enormously.”
While acknowledging limited screen time with Hardy in the second series, the Oscar winner indicated enthusiasm for developing their on-screen dynamic further. “I unfortunately did not have a lot of scenes with Tom in this series, however, I hope to share the screen with him more in the next one.”
Series Renewal and Future
The second series of MobLand, created by Ronan Bennett and Jez Butterworth, premieres globally on Paramount+ on September 18. The show has already been renewed for a third run, with the Harrigan family facing increasingly formidable rivals.
Reports had previously suggested that Hardy clashed with the show’s creators and delayed other actors during filming, sparking speculation about his commitment to future series. However, the collective statements from the cast suggest a unified front moving forward.
Why it Matters
In an era where celebrity feuds often dominate headlines and can significantly impact a production’s reputation and commercial prospects, Brosnan’s dismissal of the rumours serves as a reminder that on-set tensions are frequently blown out of proportion by media speculation. For MobLand, maintaining the perception of a cohesive cast is crucial not only for the show’s continued success but also for Paramount+’s broader strategy in the competitive streaming landscape. With the series already secured for a third season, the network will be keen to preserve both the creative chemistry and public image necessary to sustain viewer engagement across multiple seasons.
