Paramount+ has brought to life a riveting crime drama in the form of MobLand, a series that thrives on the tension between power and betrayal. With a star-studded cast featuring the likes of Tom Hardy, Helen Mirren, and Pierce Brosnan, the show finds its visual strength in real-world locations that imbue its scenes with authenticity and depth. The creative collaboration with director Guy Ritchie and creator Ronan Bennett shifts this series from just another mafia story into a captivating spectacle.
Key Filming Locations
The lush English county of Gloucestershire served as the main stage for the Harrigan family's lavish lifestyle, with the grandeur of Waverton House serving as the epicenter of opulence and intrigue. These scenes detail the Harrigans’ involvement in the high-stakes world of London’s crime syndicates, highlighting their wealth and ambitious pursuits.
In stark contrast, London provides a gritty, urban playground filled with tension and peril. Locations like the Isle of Dogs bring forth a somber setting with its juxtaposition of industrial decay and modern cityscapes. Tom Hardy’s character, Harry Da Souza, navigates these sprawling streets, representing the daily grind and relentless pursuits embodied by the streets of London.
Adding an international flavor to the series, filming in Antwerp, Belgium incorporates the city’s historic docks and diamond districts. The cold, industrial backdrop of Antwerp captures the seedy global networks entwined with local crime syndicates, painting a vivid picture of transnational crime threads. The merging of Antwerp's medieval charm with its modern touches creates an intricate labyrinth for the narrative to unfold.
Overcoming Production Challenges
The journey to bring MobLand to the screen wasn't without its setbacks. Production teams faced equipment thefts, necessitating increased security measures, while financial hurdles like a construction company's bankruptcy left crew members unpaid. Tom Hardy even offered to cover some of these wages momentarily, a testament to the dedication and camaraderie among the team. Fortunately, these issues were ironed out, allowing the project to move forward unhindered.
Originally imagined as a spinoff of Ray Donovan, MobLand evolved into its own standalone narrative. It digs deep into themes of loyalty and the fragility of power, carried by a robust ensemble cast including Paddy Considine, Joanne Froggatt, and Geoff Bell. The series brilliantly melds Ritchie’s cinematic flair with Bennett's knack for character exploration.
MobLand hit screens on Paramount+ on March 30, 2025, delivering a stylish exploration of its dark subject matter. The attention to authentic locations like Waverton House and the docks of Antwerp enriches the viewers' experience, immersing them fully into the dramatic world of crime and power plays.
Mar, 31 2025