Updated

Updated · Hollywood Reporter · Jul 9

MobLand Sets Season 2 Premiere for Sept. 18 as Tom Hardy's Season 3 Role Remains Unclear

Updated

Updated · Hollywood Reporter · Jul 9

MobLand Sets Season 2 Premiere for Sept. 18 as Tom Hardy's Season 3 Role Remains Unclear

Q: After a history of on-set feuds, what secret deal was made to keep Tom Hardy on hit show *MobLand*?

The “secret deal” was not a formal public contract change but a behind-the-scenes peace agreement: Tom Hardy, showrunner Jez Butterworth and producer David Glasser held talks in London, with Guy Ritchie helping mediate, and reached what sources described as a workable path forward that kept Hardy attached to *MobLand*. That breakthrough came after reports of serious friction during season two, including claims of Hardy’s lateness, long trailer delays and repeated attempts to alter scripts, which reportedly angered Butterworth and 101 Studios. At the same time, Hardy was said to be frustrated by late scripts and Butterworth’s limited on-set presence, so the dispute was not presented as one-sided. The practical reason for making peace was clear: *MobLand* is a major Paramount+ hit, and Hardy’s Harry Da Souza is central to the show. Recasting or writing him out would have been expensive and creatively risky. Industry reports also suggest Hardy may already have had a multi-year deal, making reconciliation more attractive than separation. Support from key figures helped seal it. Ritchie reportedly took a direct role in smoothing relations, and Helen Mirren publicly backed Hardy, signaling that the production wanted him to stay. The result is that Hardy is now effectively back on board for the expected third season, even though Paramount+ had not initially confirmed it when the dispute surfaced.

Q: How did director Guy Ritchie broker peace in the on-set war between Tom Hardy and the show's producers?

Guy Ritchie appears to have helped defuse the dispute by acting as a trusted mediator and bringing the key parties together for direct talks in London. According to the additional reporting, Hardy, showrunner Jez Butterworth, executive producer David Glasser and Ritchie met to “chart a way forward” after tensions during season two. Those tensions reportedly centered on Hardy’s lateness, time spent in his trailer, and repeated attempts to alter dialogue, while Hardy was said to be frustrated by late scripts and Butterworth’s absence from set when changes were needed. Ritchie’s role mattered because he had leverage with both sides. He has a long working relationship with Hardy dating back to *RocknRolla*, and sources said Hardy trusted him and responded better to his direction than to the broader producer dynamic. At the same time, Ritchie was not seen as intimidated by Hardy and had enough authority as a director-producer to help resolve creative disputes quickly, including script issues that were fueling the conflict. Reporting also suggests Ritchie advocated internally for keeping Hardy involved, stressing how important he was to the show’s success. The result was a reconciliation described as the parties having “patched things up,” with Hardy now back on board for the series’ future, even though Paramount+ has not yet formally announced a third season.

3 articles · Updated · Hollywood Reporter · Jul 9

Sept. 18 is the return date for Paramount+ crime series MobLand, bringing Tom Hardy back as fixer Harry Da Souza for season 2.
Paramount said the new season follows the Harrigans as rising rivals threaten their fractured empire and family tensions push Harry into a dangerous balancing act.
Hardy’s status beyond season 2 is still unresolved because Paramount+ has not officially renewed the show for a third season, though production could resume later this year if it does.
That uncertainty has been sharpened by reports that Hardy’s on-set behavior during season 2 and clashes with producers, including executive producer Jez Butterworth, unsettled the production.