Tom Hardy and Dame Helen Mirren put on a united display at the season two premiere of MobLand in London, but their unusual pose after embracing has been interpreted as something closer to a heavyweight boxing face-off than a warm reunion.
The pair appeared together at the Paramount+ crime drama’s world premiere in Leicester Square on Thursday, September 10, following reports of tensions surrounding Hardy’s work on the series.
Body language analyst Judi James said the actors’ stance, with their bodies and faces positioned directly opposite one another, resembled “the kind of face-off heavyweight boxers perform as part of their psychological warfare, to intimidate their opponents before a big fight”.
“This looks like a very odd way to close down rumours of a rift on set,” she said.
James suggested that Hardy’s placement of his hands showed respect for Mirren, describing it as a light touch rather than a firm grip. However, she claimed Mirren appeared less keen to prolong the embrace, with one arm hanging by her side.
She also described Hardy’s smile as “unconvincing and effortful”, while saying that the pair looked “over-careful and rather awkward” during the hug.
According to James, Pierce Brosnan’s movements offered another possible clue. She said he appeared to extend a hand as though interrupting the apparent face-off, before patting Hardy in what looked like a paternal gesture of approval once the actors embraced.
Tom Hardy’s future in MobLand
The red-carpet appearance came after reports that Hardy had clashed with producers Jez Butterworth and David Glasser during production, amid claims that he had stormed off set and was unhappy with the direction of the show.
There were subsequently reports that Hardy would not return for a third series. However, Paramount+ has now officially renewed MobLand for season three and confirmed that Hardy, Mirren and Brosnan are all set to return. ([paramountpressexpress.com](https://www.paramountpressexpress.com/paramount-plus/shows/mobland/releases?utm_source=openai))
Industry reports have described the disagreements as creative differences rather than a confirmed departure. Variety reported that Hardy had not been fired and that discussions were under way to resolve the issues surrounding his future on the programme. ([au.variety.com](https://au.variety.com/2026/tv/news/tom-hardy-not-fired-mobland-discussions-underway-return-37069/?utm_source=openai))
Mirren, who plays crime-family matriarch Maeve Harrigan, has repeatedly defended her co-star. She previously posted a photograph of Hardy on Instagram with the message: “Love you now and always, Helen.”
Speaking about working with fellow performers, Mirren said people should be allowed to “create and explore and experiment and f*** up”, adding that every actor had their own way of working.
Season two of MobLand, which also stars Lara Pulver and Mandeep Dhillon, is due to begin streaming on Paramount+ on Friday, September 18. ([paramountplus.com](https://www.paramountplus.com/sneak-peak/mobland-season-2-everything-you-need-to-know/?utm_source=openai))
