MobLand` Was Originally Planned as `Ray Donovan` Spinoff

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If you’re into gripping dramas about organized crime, the new limited series, “MobLand,” premiered on Paramount+ this past Sunday. Some might find another entry in an already crowded genre unappealing, but with Guy Ritchie (known for “The Gentlemen”) at the helm and a talented cast that includes Tom Hardy, Pierce Brosnan, and Helen Mirren, it’s worth a look. Interestingly, this production initially stemmed from plans to continue the popular “Ray Donovan” franchise.

The show “MobLand” explores the intense rivalry between two powerful London-based criminal families as they strive for global supremacy. In this world of chaos, Harry Da Souza (portrayed by Tom Hardy), much like Ray Donovan’s lead character (played by Liev Schreiber), maintains a calm demeanor amidst violence and illicit activities, making him an indispensable figure in the corrupt dealings of The Harrigan family.

Initially, the creators intended to develop a spin-off series of “Ray Donovan,” titled “The Donovans“, which was supposed to delve into the origins and early life of Ray Donovan. However, it seems that the concept eventually evolved into what we now know as “MobLand“. So, one might wonder: What was the intended storyline for “The Donovans“, and how did it transform into “MobLand“?

The Almost ‘Ray Donovan’ Prequel

Although Ray Donovan enjoyed high ratings among viewers, they were taken aback when it got abruptly canceled after the release of Season 7. This unexpected decision left fans craving a satisfying conclusion to the show. However, due to strong public outcry and demand, its creators decided to produce and air Ray Donovan: The Movie in 2022, offering an ending that wrapped up the character’s decade-long journey in a fitting manner. Given the devoted fanbase of the series, it became evident to Showtime executives that this story was worth further exploration. As a result, the Ray Donovan franchise is set to return with a new spin-off series called The Donovans. What an intriguing concept!

In February 2024, it was announced that an offshoot would be developed as a prequel, delving into the backstory of the titled family and the origin of Liev Schreiber’s character, the fixer, as they strive to preserve their grip on their London-based criminal empire. Initially, Guy Ritchie was slated to direct this project; however, by October of the same year, the plot had undergone a complete transformation and was renamed “The Associate” (later changed to “MobLand” by February 2025). During the production process, the showrunners opted to create an independent narrative, leveraging Ray Donovan’s fixer structure within a crime family, without any significant connections to its initial storyline or characters.

Why Didn’t ‘The Donovans’ Work Out?

Although the prequel to the Donovans series was effectively canceled with the announcement of its replacement, MobLand, specific details about the reasons for this decision remain scarce. The creative team has only shared that the original spin-off underwent a transformation into a distinct narrative during development, leaving us uncertain about what specifically triggered this change in direction.

With Liev Schreiber opting against reprising his role after the final film, there might be a connection to crafting the story around his central character. Instead of recasting the main character in a younger version and having Schreiber appear sporadically through flashbacks like many prequels do, it seems the spin-off couldn’t proceed without him returning. This obstacle could have potentially guided the showrunners towards an alternate narrative path. However, until someone connected to the new series confirms or refutes this hypothesis, it remains speculative.

‘Ray Donovan’ Fans Will Still Love ‘MobLand’

If you’re seeking a fresh drama similar to “Ray Donovan,” give “MobLand” a try. It shares the same themes of family dynamics, moral dilemmas, organized crime, and violence. The narrative revolves around Harry, a shrewd operative for the ruthless Irish patriarch Conrad Harrigan (Pierce Brosnan) and his formidable counterpart Meave Harrigan (Helen Mirren). The show explores how their criminal activities strain their personal relationships. A series of events, such as Eddie Harrigan’s attack on an adversary and the disappearance of a rival mobster’s son in the commotion, heighten tensions between the two families, foreshadowing an impending conflict that Harry must resolve to maintain peace.

The plot and characters in this series are entirely unique, yet it adheres to a well-recognized structure that die-hard fans of the gangster genre appreciate: an organized crime family engages in brutal competition, grapples with internal conflicts, questionable loyalties, and ethical dilemmas as they strive to maintain their power and protect their kin, all while avoiding capture or death. Despite its predictable premise, MobLand delivers captivating acting, crisp dialogue, Guy Ritchie’s signature fast-paced filmmaking, and raw storytelling that continually draws viewers back to the genre. Moreover, a second season has already been announced, adding to the show’s appeal not only due to its engaging content but also because of its promising longevity – a comfort for those who have suffered through their fair share of canceled series.

In case you’re interested, the first episode of “MobLand” can be streamed right away on Paramount+. Fresh installments will drop every Sunday, with this schedule continuing until June 1, 2025.

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2025-04-05 00:32