Pierce Brosnan weighs in on Tom Hardy 'MobLand' set drama rumors - USA Today

Pierce Brosnan is revealing more about the behind-the-scenes drama on the set of "MobLand."

The actor told the Press Association at the Season 2 premiere in London on Sept. 10 that conflict on the set, which media outlets previously reported was centered on costar Tom Hardy, was made bigger than it actually was.

"Oh my God, it was a storm in a teacup, really," Brosnan, 73, told the United Kingdom news agency, according to Deadline. "I love the dude. I love Tom Hardy. I'm a massive fan of the man's work. Truly. We are rock solid as a company, as a family."

In May, Deadline reported Hardy was exiting the Paramount+ crime drama after "friction" with executive producer Jez Butterworth. The Hollywood Reporter also reported on Hardy's alleged "clashes with producers," though the outlet only said at the time that the actor's future with the series was "in limbo."

However four months later, Paramount confirmed Hardy's return as fixer Harry Da Souza in a Season 3 renewal announcement.

Hardy, 48, also spoke to the outlet, saying it was a "privilege" to work with Brosnan, who plays crime family patriarch Conrad Harrigan, and Helen Mirren, who plays matriarch Maeve.

"In many aspects, of course, I look up to them. Coming up, these are actors that came before me," he told the agency, per Deadline. "So to be able to work with them is a privilege, but also to be able to enjoy them, watching them spread their wings with their range now as well, and play against their type in some aspects, and really enjoy that is a beautiful thing to watch as a human being."

Mirren, who told Press Association that the "relationships are amazing" on the show, previously defended Hardy soon after reports about the on-set tension emerged. At the Taormina Film Festival in June, she said she'd work with Hardy again in a "heartbeat," while noting he works differently than other actors.

"I think he's the most amazing actor. I've always loved him on screen and different actors have different processes," she said, per Deadline. "As long as what's on the screen is fantastic, I'm totally chilled with whatever, however anyone gets there. Tom is a very special person. He's got the kindest heart … I think he's absolutely remarkable. So my support of him is genuine and heartfelt."

The series returns for its second season on Friday, Sept. 18.