When you think of Guy Ritchie, gritty crime drama instantly springs to mind. His latest work, *MobLand*, now streaming on Paramount+, takes viewers on an explosive journey through the criminal underworld in familiar yet captivating locations. With Tom Hardy at the helm as Harry Da Souza, the series also boasts an impressive cast including Helen Mirren and Pierce Brosnan.
Exploring MobLand's Filming Locations
The journey starts at the St. Pancras Hotel in London, where one of the show's opening scenes unfolds. Picture Pierce Brosnan's character, Conrad Harrigan, involved in a tense dining encounter at The Midland Grand restaurant, which quickly escalates. Believe it or not, Tom Hardy's adjacent scenes were shot in a far less glamorous setting—a smoked fish factory at Chalk Farm.
Venturing outside the city, the lush landscapes of Gloucestershire play host to the Harrigan family's sprawling estate. Originally, these scenes were meant to be filmed by the river, but logistical challenges pushed production to this countryside locale instead. It's here the show's intrigue begins to deepen amidst the backdrop of rolling hills and historic charm.
For those intense nightclub brawls and clandestine meetings, look no further than the FOLD nightclub in Canning Town. The establishment serves as the location for a pivotal scene involving a stabbing and a mysterious disappearance. Although soon facing potential redevelopment, the club remains immortalized in the show.
Meanwhile, the scenes at Hemel Hempstead Hospital might cause a double-take. Though it stands in for East London's Homerton Hospital, Hardy's character here is found grilling a crucial witness, adding layers of suspense to an already tension-packed narrative.
The MobLand Production Experience
Creating a series of this magnitude never comes easy. Production on *MobLand* faced its fair share of hiccups, from thefts of vital equipment to the sudden financial turmoil of set-construction company Helix 3D. In a display of solidarity, Tom Hardy himself stepped in to ensure the unpaid crew received their wages.
Staying true to its roots yet branching out stylistically, *MobLand* veers from Ritchie's old hits and embraces a fresh, raw edge reminiscent of *Top Boy*. The unpredictable storylines are underscored by an embattled {{family}} dynamic featuring players like Paddy Considine, Anson Boon, and Joanne Froggatt.
The series captures the vivid contrast between glamour and grit, weaving a tale of power struggles between the Harrigans and the Stevensons across stunning real-world backdrops. As audiences tune in for the thrills and twists, *MobLand* promises a visual feast alongside its gripping drama.
