Tom Hardy Unveils the Truth Behind His ‘MobLand’ Role and Addresses the Venom-Spider-Man Speculation

Tom Hardy has taken on yet another complex criminal character in his latest role in MobLand. He expresses uncertainty about how his character, Harry, can escape his difficult situation, noting, “Harry’s somewhat trapped inside being Harry.”

In this new venture, Hardy reunites with his RocknRolla director Guy Ritchie, who helmed the first two episodes of Paramount’s crime series. The premiere has proven to be a significant success, becoming the most successful launch week for a new series on Paramount+, attracting 8.8 million global viewers and joining the ranks of Taylor Sheridan’s acclaimed series 1923 and Landman as record-holders for new releases.

The initial episodes of MobLand depict Hardy’s character, a fixer, as he cleans up after the powerful Harrigan family. In a particularly grim task, he cleans up the body of Archie (Alex Jennings), who was shot and killed by family patriarch Conrad Harrigan (Pierce Brosnan) due to suspicions of betrayal.

By the third episode, the stakes for Harry escalate dramatically when Conrad’s gangland rival, Richie Stevenson (Geoff Bell), blows up his home. The tension heightens further as it is revealed that Richie’s son, Tommy, has not merely vanished but has been murdered, a crime committed by Eddie Harrigan (Anson Boon). This leads to a brutal confrontation with a club manager who was involved. The episode concludes with a cliffhanger, leaving viewers speculating about the loyalty within the Harrigan family as the police discover Archie’s body.

While Hardy is embarking on what promises to be a lengthy journey with MobLand, he reflects on the conclusion of his time as the beloved Marvel villain Venom, which wrapped up with its trilogy last October. He clarifies reports regarding a potential crossover between his Venom and Tom Holland’s Spider-Man, stating that he has been “misquoted.” He emphasizes that it wasn’t “killed” but rather “didn’t happen.”

In the following conversation, Hardy delves into whether Harry can ever break free from the Harrigan clan as MobLand progresses, the reasons behind his choice to leave Harry’s background ambiguous, his hopes for more seasons, and his willingness to explore roles beyond the usual bad guy characters. (Remember This Means War?)

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It’s been 17 years since you last collaborated with Guy Ritchie. How did you two reconnect for this project?

I didn’t realize it had been 17 years; that’s quite a long stretch, isn’t it? I simply called him, and it felt like no time had passed. He was already involved in the project, so we caught up and quickly found ourselves on set together. It was a smooth process.

Your character has significant complexity, and we glimpse aspects of Harry’s background. How would you define Harry and his role as a fixer?

To be honest, I’m not entirely sure about Harry’s background. I prefer not to create a detailed backstory; I want him to exist in the present. Being tied down by a preexisting backstory could limit me. We do have flashbacks of Kevin and Harry from their childhood in prison, which is just enough to illustrate their connection. The perspective of that memory is intriguing as well.

Some people have a knack for hospitality and can cater to others’ needs without emotional attachment or have a network of contacts that extends beyond their personal reach. I think Harry possesses that ability, providing options for those concerned about their future. He could have easily worked as a concierge or in espionage; circumstances simply led him into organized crime.

You’ve said, “If you help the Harrigans, the Harrigans will help you.” How does that apply to Harry?

I don’t think he means it in a straightforward way. Essentially, he’s saying, “If you give me the information I need, we won’t kill you.” It’s a message wrapped in a friendly package. (Laughs)

Did Eddie truly kill Tommy on his own, or did he have assistance?

He killed him, but he did receive help dismembering the body from an innocent club owner who inadvertently sparked a gang war between the Stevensons and the Harrigans. The reasons behind that are still unclear.

The scene with Harry and Bella is captivating, where she encourages him to envision a life outside the Harrigans. Do you think Harry could ever leave that world behind?

With Bella Harrigan or just on his own?

On his own.

I don’t think he can escape. He has too much invested in it, both mentally and physically. There’s a certain spiritual toll from his actions that he probably can’t confess to anyone, even in therapy. In that sense, Harry feels trapped in his own identity.

The third episode ends with a cliffhanger as the police discover Archie’s body. How will Harry navigate this situation?

I’m not sure. We need to understand how they located Archie’s body since it wasn’t easy to find. Someone within the family must have revealed that information.

Assuming Harry and the Harrigans evade Richie in the next episode, what do you envision for the future of MobLand? Is there a long-term plan for the series?

The intention is certainly to have more seasons. The question is whether it will become an international story. Organized crime has global elements, which we touch upon in season one, involving the control of drugs, weapons, and various commodities moving across Europe, Africa, and South America. Different families in each European country are vying for power over these operations, and the dynamics of policing and control will be fascinating to explore.

You’ve portrayed many intriguing characters, but they often carry a heavy weight. Do you think you’ll take on something more lighthearted in the future, perhaps a rom-com?

No (Laughs), I don’t think I’m suited for rom-coms.

Why not?

I’m not sure. I just don’t see it for myself. However, if something interesting and fun came along, I’d consider it. But nothing has crossed my path yet that has sparked my interest.

You previously mentioned that there were discussions about a crossover between Venom and Tom Holland’s Spider-Man, which ultimately didn’t come to fruition due to studio politics. Were you the driving force behind that idea, or was it Marvel Studios?

I never stated that at all. That quote has morphed from a simple comment about my children watching Venom. It’s difficult to explain to young kids why their favorite superheroes can’t appear together, and it’s disappointing. We were close, but it just didn’t happen. The trilogy is now complete, and it remains a missed opportunity.

I’ve been misquoted in that regard. People get excited about anything related to Venom or superheroes, and it takes on a life of its own. I want to clarify that I never said it was killed.

Were there any discussions at all?

There are always discussions, but that doesn’t guarantee that something will materialize. There’s a future where these ideas will continue to be explored, and I’m sure it will eventually happen, just not with me.

Now there’s Mad Max: The Wasteland (laughs). Many projects are discussed, but they haven’t yet come to fruition.

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New episodes of MobLand are released every Sunday on Paramount+. Stay tuned for more updates from HiCelebNews!

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