Tom Hardy’s Accent Surprises: Why It’s Not the Most Distracting in MobLand

Paramount+’s gripping crime drama, MobLand, boasts an impressive cast that includes A-list stars, yet the use of accents—particularly among characters—can occasionally divert attention from the story. Produced by the renowned Guy Ritchie, this series explores the dangerous adventures of the Harrigan crime family, who navigate drug trafficking and weapon dealings in contemporary London. Central to the plot is Tom Hardy’s character, Harry Da Souza, a fixer entangled with this Irish family operating in the heart of London.

Known for his eclectic range of accents, Tom Hardy’s performances vary significantly across his roles. His natural voice bears a Cockney lilt, reflective of his upbringing in Hammersmith, London. However, his adaptations often lead to mixed reactions, as illustrated by his performances where he adopts American accents in films like The Revenant and the infamous garbled voice of Bane in The Dark Knight Rises. Interestingly, while Hardy fits seamlessly into MobLand, his co-stars, particularly, face scrutiny regarding their accent portrayals.

Helen Mirren & Pierce Brosnan: Accents That Stand Out In MobLand

Thick Irish Accents: A Challenge for Some Viewers

Helen Mirren as Maeve Harrigan and Pierce Brosnan as Conrad Harrigan in MobLand

Pierce Brosnan and Helen Mirren bring life to the patriarch and matriarch of the Harrigan family, Conrad and Maeve Harrigan, respectively. While Hardy’s accent feels appropriate for his character, both Brosnan and Mirren have opted for a pronounced Irish accent that some may find jarring. Brosnan, despite his actual Irish heritage, seems to have lost much of his original accent over time, making his thick Kerry accent particularly surprising as he plays the crime lord.

MobLand – Key Details

Created By

Streaming Network

Season 1 Run

RT Tomatometer Score

RT Popcornmeter Score

Metacritic Score

Metacritic User Score

Ronan Bennett

Paramount+

March 30th, 2025 – June 1st, 2025

79%

70%

59

5.4/10

Mirren’s own authentic British accent, fine-tuned by her upbringing in London, contrasts with the heavy Irish dialect she employs in MobLand. This accent mirrors her recent performance in Paramount+’s 1923, where it highlights her character’s immigrant background. Both accents aim to encapsulate their heritage, shedding light on the family’s codes of loyalty and honor—a theme prevalent throughout the show. While these accents may not detract from the overall experience, they certainly require some acclimatization.

Mirren & Brosnan: Compelling Performances Despite Accents

A Dynamic Duo with Infectious Energy

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The accents, while initially noticeable, become secondary to the captivating performances of Mirren and Brosnan in MobLand. Brosnan’s portrayal of the unpredictable Conrad Harrigan deftly balances intimidation with humor, as he navigates his role in the crime family, often appearing to lack the control typically expected from a patriarch. Conversely, Mirren’s Maeve embodies the cunning manipulator, reminiscent of Lady Macbeth, subtly orchestrating events to maintain her dominance.

It’s evident that both actors relish their roles, exhibiting chemistry that electrifies their performances. From Mirren’s humorous interactions involving illicit substances to Brosnan’s internal conflicts as he grapples with violence, their vigor enhances the show’s appeal. Their commitment to their characters allows viewers to overlook any accent discrepancies, as these vocalizations contribute significantly to their roles’ depth and authenticity.

Guy Ritchie: A History of Accent-Related Polarization

Cast of Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels enjoying a drink

Across his films, Guy Ritchie has often employed accents that can raise eyebrows. Notable instances include Brad Pitt’s exaggerated Irish accent in Snatch, which at times borders on incomprehensible, serving to enhance his character’s uniqueness. Similarly, in Wrath of Man, Ritchie featured American accents delivered with varying degrees of success by British actors, showcasing a trend of accent-driven characterizations.

Ritchie’s films often leverage heavy accents as tools for characterization, contributing to the raw portrayal of their personas. For MobLand, the use of thick accents aims to foster authenticity and enhance viewer connection to the characters’ backstories. While these vocal nuances might demand a period of adjustment, they ultimately enrich the narrative tapestry, encouraging viewers to immerse themselves in this gripping crime saga.

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