Late on Sunday night, Londoners near the Thames found themselves staring at the sky in disbelief.
What looked like a serious industrial disaster was actually a carefully planned moment of movie magic, as a massive fireball exploded into view during filming for Guy Ritchie’s hit TV series MobLand.
For a few tense seconds, the skyline glowed orange before reality kicked in — this was television, not tragedy.
Guy Ritchie Turns Up the Heat by the Thames
The dramatic scene unfolded at a warehouse close to Newham, where director Guy Ritchie orchestrated an elaborate explosion for the second season of the Paramount+ crime drama.
Flames roared skyward, thick smoke billowed into the night, and the River Thames reflected the chaos like a mirror.
Emergency services were on standby throughout the stunt, ensuring everything stayed firmly within the bounds of controlled chaos.
Locals Left Stunned by the Fireball
For people living nearby, the moment was jaw-dropping.
One resident described hearing a deafening bang before the sky suddenly lit up.
For a brief moment, panic set in — until it became clear that cameras, crew, and controlled pyrotechnics were behind the spectacle.
The word most people used afterward? “Mental.”
Tom Hardy at the Centre of the Action
Reports from the set suggest Tom Hardy, who plays smooth-talking crime fixer Harry De Souza, was front and centre during the scene.
Moments before the warehouse erupted, Hardy’s character was seen wielding a shotgun, setting the stage for the explosive payoff.
At 48, the actor remains a commanding presence, perfectly suited to the show’s gritty underworld tone.
On-Screen Crime, Off-Screen Tension
While MobLand thrives on fictional rivalries, whispers from behind the scenes suggest a real-life strain brewing between two of its biggest stars.
Insiders claim relations between Tom Hardy and Dame Helen Mirren have become increasingly tense during the filming of season two.
Dame Helen Mirren’s Reported Frustrations
Dame Helen, now 80, plays the steely crime matriarch Maeve Harrigan — a role she reportedly approaches with total professionalism.
Sources say she has grown frustrated with Hardy’s behaviour off-camera, particularly his alleged lateness and the tone he uses with colleagues.
Known for her discipline and high standards, Mirren is said to expect the same commitment from everyone around her.
Crew Members Notice the Shift
According to those working behind the scenes, the tension hasn’t gone unnoticed.
Some believe Mirren no longer seems as comfortable filming scenes with Hardy as she once did.
There’s chatter that things have become personal, with claims that Hardy’s swagger and occasional temper are rubbing people the wrong way — especially an industry veteran who has “seen it all.”
Hardy’s Camp Stays Quiet
Another source suggests Hardy, who is married to Peaky Blinders actress Charlotte Riley, can be short-tempered when cameras stop rolling.
When approached for comment, a representative for the actor reportedly declined to respond, leaving the rumours unanswered.
Picking Up After a Bloody Finale
Story details for season two are being kept tightly under wraps, but it’s expected to resume immediately after the explosive ending of the first season.
That finale saw the Harrigan family emerge victorious over their rivals, the Stevenson clan, led by Richie.
Betrayal at the Heart of the Story
The previous season ended with a shocking twist: Harry De Souza was stabbed by his own wife, Jan.
Before that betrayal, Harry had orchestrated a deadly double-cross, using solicitor O’Hara Delaney to dismantle Richie’s operation.
The final blow came when Harry and Kevin Harrigan joined forces to kill Richie, leaving viewers reeling.
Power, Loyalty, and a City on Edge
According to the official synopsis, season two will continue exploring a ruthless power struggle between two crime families battling for dominance.
Caught in the middle is Harry — a fixer who understands better than anyone how fragile loyalty becomes when empires start to crumble.
Why Fans Are Hooked
Since launching on Paramount+ in April, MobLand has quickly built a loyal following.
The ten-episode first season earned a solid 78 per cent score on Rotten Tomatoes, with many viewers praising its performances, sharp dialogue, and signature Guy Ritchie flair.
So, What’s Next for MobLand?
With high-octane stunts, unresolved grudges, and rumours of tension behind the scenes, the second season of MobLand is shaping up to be just as explosive as that Thames-side fireball.
Whether the drama stays on screen or spills further into real life, fans will definitely be watching.
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