Tom Hardy’s MobLand: A Hidden Ray Donovan Spin-Off?

Among the numerous streaming services, none has outshone predictions quite like the one we’re referring to. This platform, with roots in Hollywood’s golden age, has been the birthplace of some of the most renowned cinematic classics this decade. In a strategic shift, the legendary studio decided to house all its television content under a new streaming banner that bears its name – Paramount+. Despite this, Yellowstone remains one of the rare series that didn’t transition to Paramount+ upon its launch, continuing to broadcast weekly on cable instead.

On Paramount+, a plethora of new shows have been launched across various genres, and crime dramas have been consistently popular among viewers. The latest success story is ““, a collaboration between the director and an ensemble cast that presents an engaging premise. Although this series appears to be another triumph for the studio, its creation has a surprising origin that even devoted fans might not guess.

MobLand Is the Tom Hardy Crime Series Fans Have Wanted for Years

It’s important to acknowledge that many of Tom Hardy’s finest performances are found within the crime genre. In fact, before captivating audiences with roles like “Legend,” Hardy began his acting journey with a criminally underrated classic, “Bronson,” one of his early leading roles. Over the following decade, Hardy appeared in numerous crime and gangster productions, with these performances frequently being highlighted when discussing his career. However, it was his portrayal of Alfie Solomons in the popular British gangster series “Peaky Blinders” that truly drew fans to him within this genre.

Alfie was adored by viewers throughout the series, despite only making an appearance in one episode per season following his recurring role in the second season. From then on, fans began to fantasize about a crime series starring Tom Hardy that would allow him to consistently outshine others week after week and year after year. The dream of a Tom Hardy-led crime series persisted as he continued to act in excellent crime movies such as “The Drop”. Even in less impressive films, his performances were consistently outstanding. While he may have gained fame through his roles in big franchises, his most remarkable work is found within the crime genre.

Notable Tom Hardy Crime ProjectsRelease Year
Bronson2008
Lawless2012
Peaky Blinders2014
The Drop2014
Legend2015
The Bikeriders2023

As a passionate cinephile, I must say it’s been over a decade in the making, but finally, the series we fans have been yearning for has arrived! This comes at an intriguing juncture in Hardy’s career, which has seen him somewhat trapped within the studio system, repeatedly playing iconic IP roles. However, he’s recently reconnected with his roots, embracing authentic and raw projects. And so, his role in ‘MobLand’ is nothing short of perfect for both him and admirers of his career. The response to ‘MobLand’ has been overwhelmingly positive, as it delves into the life of Harry Da Souza, a fixer for the criminal empire led by the Harrigan family. Set in contemporary England, the spotlight once more shines on British organized crime, with Hardy taking center stage this time around. In this story, he embodies his stoic and tough persona seamlessly alongside an impressive ensemble cast.

I found myself working alongside Pierce Brosnan, Helen Mirren, and Paddy Considine on an enthralling series titled “MobLand.” In this gripping tale, my character finds himself caught in the crossfire between rival factions, striving tirelessly to maintain peace. The unique blend of action, drama, and humor, reminiscent of Guy Ritchie’s style, has effortlessly earned it a place among other memorable crime shows.

Remarkably, “MobLand” shares an intriguing link with one timeless crime show that graced our screens during the golden age of television.

MobLand Was Originally Planned as a Ray Donovan Spin-Off Series

A character reminiscent of the fixer navigating gang wars, resolving everyone’s issues might resonate with certain viewers. This is due to its strong resemblance to the protagonist of “Breaking Bad,” which aired for seven seasons from 2013 to 2020 and was followed by a sequel film in 2022. In 2013, the narrative of Ray served as a fresh and captivating entry amidst the impressive lineup of crime series being produced at that time.

The show “Ray Donovan” narrates the tale of Ray Donovan, a character skilled at resolving others’ issues, but finds himself grappling with his own family’s complications. Featuring Liev Schrieber, Eddie Marsan, Pooch Hall, and the esteemed Jon Voight, this series delved into an uncommon depiction of criminal circumstances and provided a fitting cultural backdrop for compelling dramatic television. The unique blend of their Irish/East Coast roots contrasted with a Los Angeles setting gave the Donovan family a distinctive portrayal that set it apart from other crime shows. With exceptional writing and outstanding performances, “Ray Donovan” became a success, continuing to captivate audiences long after its debut.

MobLand CastCharacter
Tom HardyHarry Da Souza
Pierce BrosnanConrad Harrigan
Helen MirrenMaeve Harrigan
Paddy ConsidineKevin Harrigan
Anson BoonEddie Harrigan

It’s logical to understand why the world of “Ray Donovan” might broaden beyond the original show. The sequel film, released in 2022, served as a fitting conclusion to the series that fans of “Deadwood” longed for and what fans of “Peaky Blinders” are now anticipating. Moreover, there have been plans in the works for quite some time for a spin-off, which was expected to premiere on Paramount+ this year. Given that the Donovans are an Irish family with ties to Boston, their ancestry traces back to their homeland and their business can be traced as far back as then.

Originally, the concept for MobLand was developed as a series titled “The Donovans,” which would have chronicled the iconic family’s role as fixers in Ireland and London during the years leading up to Ray’s rise to power. This intriguing idea attracted the attention of director Guy Ritchie, known for his captivating U.K.-based crime stories. Had the project moved forward, Ritchie would have infused his unique style into the Donovan family saga, and fans likely would have eagerly embraced it.

By October 2024, the show underwent a complete transformation, becoming a self-contained series separate from Ray Donovan. Guy Ritchie continued his involvement, and the series morphed into the Tom Hardy-led MobLand that viewers are currently captivated by. This change permits the show to exist in its own crime universe, unofficially speaking.

Guy Ritchie’s Crime Projects Are Unique and Now Include MobLand

Instead of spinning off “MobLand” into a separate U.K. crime universe, it would have been more in line with Guy Ritchie’s vision to expand the existing one. A show like “The Donovans” might have been intriguing, but it would have maintained a unique character due to Ritchie’s signature style, which sets it apart from the original series and film.

Throughout much of his career, Guy Ritchie has primarily focused on creating standalone crime dramas. Beginning with “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels” in 1998, he has produced a series of notable crime films such as “Snatch,” “Revolver,” “RocknRolla” (featuring Hardy), “Sherlock Holmes,” and most recently, “The Gentlemen.” Although these projects are not directly linked, they form an impressive collection within the crime genre.

As a cinephile, I’ve got to say that just recently, Guy Ritchie has taken one of his projects to television in a spin-off titled “MobLand.” This series shares the same cinematic universe as his films and while it might not be an entirely original concept from Ritchie, you can definitely see his unique style all over it. The series has been quite captivating so far, and with the powerhouse duo of Tom Hardy and Guy Ritchie at the helm, it’s no wonder audiences are eagerly tuning in.

The show “MobLand” seems to be set in the same world as “The Gentlemen,” though this isn’t necessarily confirmed. However, if its success continues, it could become a long-running crime series. At long last, fans are getting the Tom Hardy series they’ve been eagerly anticipating. Interestingly, it was originally spun off from “Ray Donovan.

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2025-04-17 21:49