Helen Mirren says she would “absolutely” work with Tom Hardy again “soon” following behind-the-scenes reports on the Mobland drama.
“I love Tom. I think he’s the greatest actor,” the Oscar-winning actress told Variety in an interview published Thursday.
Mirren said her co-stars on the Paramount+ crime series have a “different process” than her when it comes to acting.
“I’ve learned over the years that some people are quick at things,” she explained. “I don’t really care how someone shows up there, as long as what’s on the screen is great.”
Ms Mirren, 80, called Ms Hardy, 48, a “very special person” and “definitely remarkable”, and later reiterated that her support was “genuine and heartfelt”.
The British actress also said she hopes there will be a third season of Mobland, which also stars Pierce Brosnan and Paddy Considine.
“When powerful artists work together, the creative process becomes difficult,” she explained. “As we say, people are going to get their pants in a twist.”
“We will move forward, absolutely,” she added, “and it will get even better.”
Last month, multiple reports claimed that Hardy was fired from MobLand due to “on-set issues.”
Sources say Hardy was consistently late on production during the second season. They also claimed that he frequently wrote notes on the script, changed lines, and was angry with the ensemble cast.
Additionally, a source told the Daily Mail that Hardy’s late behavior has “infuriated” Mirren and she is “becoming increasingly frustrated with Tom and his attitude.”
However, production officials later told Variety that Hardy had not been fired from the show and that “the door to season 3 is not closed.”
The outlet also reported that the series’ executive producer and director, Guy Ritchie, is “strongly urging David Glasser, whose 101 Studios is backing the show, to make it a success.”
Mirren showed her support for Hardy and broke her silence on the drama.
She shared a photo of the “Venom” actor on Instagram and wrote, “I love you now and always.”
Mr. Hardy has not yet spoken out about the allegations.
In “MobLand,” he plays a fixer for a London crime family. Mirren plays the cunning matriarch of the family.
The Hardy actor previously told Esquire that he agreed to appear on “Mobland” because it would allow him to work “different muscles” in terms of his acting skills.
