Tom Hardy’s New Roles: Déjà Vu or Mind-Blowing Similarities?

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CAUTION: This article may reveal crucial aspects of the recently released Netflix film titled “Havoc” and the new TV series on Paramount+ called “MobLand”. If you haven’t watched these productions yet, I advise you to approach this reading with care.

It took some time for “Havoc,” directed by Gareth Evans (the mind behind hit action movies like “The Raid” and “The Raid 2“), to appear on Netflix. However, I believe it was worth the wait, despite a faint sense of familiarity that it brought about.

Lately, I’ve been enjoying my Paramount+ subscription by watching the series “MobLand,” featuring Hardy in the main role as Harry Da Souza. As I watched “Havoc,” there were moments when it seemed like an extended episode of a British gangster show due to Hardy’s similar portrayal in both titles, with the primary difference being their roles on either side of the law and distinct accents. In essence, they share many characteristics… Here’s a breakdown of their shared traits:

1. Charismatic Leadership: Both characters exude charisma, which helps them command respect and influence within their respective criminal underworlds.
2. Complex Personalities: Hardy’s roles in both series showcase intricate personalities with deep backstories that make viewers empathize with their struggles and root for their successes.
3. Ruthless Decision Making: Both characters are willing to do whatever it takes to protect themselves, their loved ones, and their criminal enterprises, often resorting to violence when necessary.
4. Morally Gray: Neither character can be easily labeled as “good” or “evil,” as they navigate a world where the lines between right and wrong blur.
5. Family Ties: Both characters have strong family connections that play significant roles in their motivations and actions throughout the series.
6. Aesthetic Appeal: The visual style of both productions, from costuming to set design, complements Hardy’s powerful on-screen presence, making for a captivating viewing experience.

They Both Live In The Land Of Moral Ambiguity

In the movie Havoc, Tom Hardy portrays Patrick Walker, a troubled homicide detective with a strained family bond who finds himself embroiled in a lethal conspiracy, all while maintaining loyalty to a politician (portrayed by Forest Whitaker) by safeguarding his child. On the other hand, in MobLand, Hardy takes on the role of Harry Da Souza, a mafia troubleshooter with family issues who gets entangled in a criminal underworld feud, continuing to be faithful to an Irish mob leader (played by Pierce Brosnan, sporting a contentious accent) by shielding his son.

Both characters possess a moral compass that endears them to us, as they frequently find themselves up to their elbows in questionable deeds. This added depth to their narratives keeps us hooked, although it lends an air of familiarity to their tales. But, we’re merely scratching the surface when it comes to comparisons.

They Both Use Intimidation To Get What They Need

In my opinion, some of the most impactful moments in both “MobLand” and “Havoc” feature Tom Hardy’s characters, Harry and Walker respectively, displaying remarkable dominance over their adversaries through intense confrontations or simply emitting an intimidating stare that leaves them yielding to his power.

Intimidation proves to be an incredibly powerful weapon for each character, wielded masterfully to leave both their adversaries and spectators in awe. Remarkably, this is one common trait that I enthusiastically acknowledge in the roles of Hardy in both “MobLand” and “Havoc”. Given his past performances in other renowned Hardy films, I have no doubt that he will once again excel at portraying this characteristic convincingly.

They Both Have Badass Scenes Taking Place In Nightclubs

Among the scenes that stood out in “Havoc”, the one that left the greatest impact on me is where Walker confronts and battles a gang of corrupt police officers (including Timothy Olyphant portraying an uncommon villainous character) within a bustling nightclub, aiming to extricate Charlie (Justin Cornwell) from their clutches. In terms of my favorite scene in “MobLand” thus far, it would be when Harry resorts to brutal violence against the manager of a crowded nightclub to coerce information out of him.

In a surprising turn, the captivating club scene in Havoc felt eerily reminiscent of Hardy’s portrayal of Harry, yet infused with his Eddie Brock persona from Venom. Despite the coincidental nature of these circumstances, it was the shared violent outburst at a nightclub that made me question if it was just another instance of Hardy reprising his role. This uncanny similarity was hard to overlook.

The déjà vu doesn’t end with just that. Interestingly, the theme song for MobLand, “Starburster” by Fontaines DC, is also featured in the trailer for Havoc. Sadly, the movie, which completed filming in 2021 (as reported by The Midgard Times), faced a long delay and was released right smack in the middle of the series’ first season. This unfortunate timing might have spared us from making so many comparisons.

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2025-05-01 22:08