Helen Mirren Comes to Tom Hardy's Defense Over Behind-the-Scenes Drama

Helen Mirren has nothing but love for MobLand co-star Tom Hardy, despite the actor's reportedly dramatic exit from the Paramount+ series.

The Oscar-winning actress, 80, spoke out in defense of Hardy, 48, at the Taormina Film Festival following last month's reports that the actor would not be returning for a potential Season 3 due to his on-set behavior and friction with producers.

"I love Tom. I think he's the most amazing actor," Mirren told press at the film festival, as per Deadline. "I've always loved him on screen, and different actors have different processes. I've learned over the years that some people get things fast and other people took time."

Despite reports that Hardy had allegedly kept Mirren and fellow star Pierce Brosnan waiting to film scenes, Mirren insisted that she would work with him again in "a heartbeat."

"As long as what's on the screen is fantastic, I'm totally chilled with whatever, however anyone gets there," she said. "Tom is a very special person. He's got the kindest heart… I think he's absolutely remarkable. So my support of him is genuine and heartfelt."

As for the Peaky Blinders actor's future on MobLand, Mirren said she fully expected to see him return for Season 3.

"We also have a very great writer, Jez Butterworth, a powerful, fantastic writer. So I really hope it's going to happen. When you have these sort of very powerful artistic people working together, the creative process is very challenging, and people can get their knickers in a twist, as we say," she said. "But yes, we will go forward, absolutely, and it'll be even better."

MobLand follows two warring London crime families that clash "in a kill-or-be-killed battle that threatens to topple empires and ruin lives," according to the show's official logline.

MobLand has yet to be officially renewed for Season 3 at Paramount+, with Season 2 scheduled to begin streaming later this year.

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This story was originally published June 12, 2026 at 7:23 AM.