Helen Mirren breaks silence following reports of behind-the-scenes tension in Paramount+ crime drama Earth Mobwhere he stars alongside Tom Hardy.
The Oscar winner took to Instagram on Thursday to post a photo of Hardy with text on his face that read, “I love you now and always, Helen.”
The brief but direct message came just hours after conflicting reports emerged about Hardy’s status on the series.
Earlier this week, Puck reported that Hardy had been fired after the second season, citing alleged lateness issues and long periods of time in his trailer.
A source said The Hollywood Reporter that Hardy “refused to come out of his trailer for hours at a time.”
However, Variety responded that Hardy “was not fired” and that “the door is not closed on season 3,” noting that creative discussions are taking place.
Rumors of tension between Hardy and Mirren were also addressed.
A source said Variety that while Hardy’s tardiness was “frustrating” to Mirren, there was no animosity.
“I know she told him a couple of times, ‘Come on, Tom, we’ve been here a long time, let’s move on,’ but she never seemed to be against Tom,” the source explained.
Another insider added: “Helen is not that kind of person. If she had a problem with Tom, she would have told him to his face.”
Mirren’s supportive post echoes a similar message she shared in December, when she praised Hardy’s “on-screen brilliance,” “off-screen dedication,” and “good heart,” while cheekily listing “bad journalism” among the things she doesn’t like.
Hardy plays a fixer for a London crime family led by Mirren’s character in Earth Mob.
The second season has ended but has not yet premiered on Paramount+.
