Tom Hardy and director Guy Ritchie have reunited for the much-anticipated crime drama MobLand, and early reviews indicate that audiences and critics are intrigued. The series, which Ritchie both produces and directs, tells the story of an escalating conflict between two prominent London crime families—the Harrigans and the Stevensons—centered around Hardy’s character, Harry Da Souza, who is contracted by the former to safeguard their empire. The impressive cast also includes renowned actors such as Pierce Brosnan, Helen Mirren, Paddy Considine, Joanne Froggatt, Lara Pulver, and Anson Boon.
As the premiere date approaches, excitement builds with the launch of initial reviews on Rotten Tomatoes. Currently, the show boasts a solid 71% approval rating based on 14 critic reviews, with an average score of 6.4 out of 10. While ratings may fluctuate in the coming days, this positive reception is a promising indicator for the show’s future.
Significance of MobLand’s Initial Rotten Tomatoes Rating
Hardy & Ritchie’s Partnership: A Potential Success
Even though MobLand may not achieve the highest ratings from Hardy or Ritchie’s previous works, its inaugural Rotten Tomatoes score signals potential popularity with audiences upon its launch. This score represents a notable improvement compared to their prior collaboration in the 2008 crime comedy, RocknRolla, which received a tepid 60% from critics and a 71% audience score. Despite aspirations for a trilogy, mixed reviews have halted further exploration of that universe, making MobLand their first reunion in nearly two decades.
The positive feedback aligns with Ritchie’s recent resurgence on Rotten Tomatoes, where nearly all of his projects within the last six years have secured “Fresh”ratings—barring one exception—after the mixed reception of films like Aladdin and King Arthur: Legend of the Sword. This trend includes his successful entry into the television realm with Netflix’s The Gentlemen. The following table highlights MobLand’s debut score relative to Ritchie’s recent works:
|
Title |
Critic Score (Rotten Tomatoes) |
Audience Score (Rotten Tomatoes) |
|---|---|---|
|
The Gentlemen (2019) |
75% |
84% |
|
Wrath of Man |
68% |
90% |
|
Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre |
51% |
82% |
|
Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant |
83% |
98% |
|
The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare |
68% |
92% |
|
The Gentlemen (2024) |
75% |
84% |
If audience reactions match their typical enthusiasm for Ritchie’s works—often more favorable than critic ratings—MobLand could enjoy a successful trajectory. The renewal of The Gentlemen for a second season illustrates Ritchie’s commitment to television, particularly as he expands with additional projects like the forthcoming Young Sherlock series, while Hardy’s rare decision to accept a television role may signal his genuine interest in the series’ characters and narrative depth.
Our Insights on MobLand’s Rotten Tomatoes Rating
The Allure of Gangster Dramas
Considering that the current score is based on just over a dozen reviews, it’s reasonable to anticipate that MobLand‘s Rotten Tomatoes rating may slightly decline into the 60s. Nonetheless, the largely positive nature of the critiques suggests that Ritchie and creator Ronan Bennett have successfully captured the gritty essence of London’s gangster scene, promising an entertaining viewing experience. With Paramount+ also gaining traction in this genre through shows like Tulsa King, MobLand could represent the beginning of an exciting new chapter.
Mark your calendars: MobLand premieres on Paramount+ on Sunday, March 30.
Source: Rotten Tomatoes