Why Tom Hardy’s New Show Was Almost a Ray Donovan Spinoff – And What Happened Instead

For fans of gripping crime thrillers and complex gangster dynamics, MobLand is a new limited series to sink your teeth into. Premiering this past Sunday on Paramount+, the show boasts an impressive cast, including Tom Hardy, Pierce Brosnan, and Helen Mirren, all under the direction of acclaimed filmmaker Guy Ritchie (The Gentlemen). However, the story behind MobLand reveals that it began as something entirely different—a spinoff from the popular Ray Donovan series.

MobLand follows the fierce rivalry between two London-based mob families vying for control of global criminal operations. At the center of the conflict is Harry Da Souza (Tom Hardy), a calm and calculating fixer who operates in the murky world of organized crime. This role strongly echoes that of Ray Donovan (played by Liev Schreiber) from the Ray Donovan franchise, suggesting that MobLand was initially conceived as a prequel exploring the origins of Ray Donovan’s character.

From ‘The Donovans’ to ‘MobLand’

The transition from Ray Donovan to MobLand is an intriguing one, shaped by both fan demand and creative shifts. Ray Donovan, the popular Showtime series, was suddenly canceled after its seventh season, leaving many loyal fans without a satisfying conclusion. However, the overwhelming outcry for closure led to the release of Ray Donovan: The Movie in 2022, offering a much-needed full-circle ending to the character’s arc.

Given the success of the film and the show’s continued fanbase, Showtime executives recognized the potential for further exploration within the Ray Donovan universe. In February 2024, a prequel series, titled The Donovans, was announced. The series was set to delve deeper into the origins of the Donovan family and the early days of Ray Donovan’s career as a fixer, working within the family’s criminal empire. Guy Ritchie was tapped to oversee the project, but by October 2024, the direction of the show had drastically changed.

The story, originally planned as a Ray Donovan spinoff, was completely reworked. It was renamed The Associate and eventually became MobLand by February 2025. The decision was made to shift the narrative from being a direct Ray Donovan prequel to a standalone story, loosely inspired by the “fixer” concept without any ties to the original plot or characters.

Why the Shift?

While the exact reasons for the change remain unclear, several factors likely contributed to the reworking of the project. Liev Schreiber, who portrayed the iconic Ray Donovan, has explicitly stated that he will not reprise his role, especially after the character’s conclusion in the 2022 film. Without Schreiber’s involvement, showrunners may have found it difficult to continue the storyline as originally intended, leading them to take the series in a fresh direction.

Additionally, prequels often face challenges when trying to recast pivotal characters. The idea of a Ray Donovan prequel may not have worked without a proper return or flashbacks involving Schreiber. This possible roadblock likely led the creative team to craft an entirely new story and character, ultimately giving birth to MobLand.

The New Gangster Drama

Despite its origins, MobLand stands as an independent entity. The plot focuses on the dynamic between the Harrigan family, led by Irish patriarch Conrad Harrigan (Pierce Brosnan) and his fiercely protective counterpart Meave Harrigan (Helen Mirren). Hardy’s character, Harry Da Souza, is a street-smart fixer whose role mirrors that of Ray Donovan—a man who operates in the shadows, using calmness in the face of violence to maintain order in a chaotic criminal world.

The series delves into the complex relationships within the Harrigan family and their violent clash with a rival mobster’s son. After Eddie Harrigan (Anson Boon) attacks a rival, tensions between the two families escalate into an all-out war, and it’s up to Harry to try and resolve the conflict while managing the many tangled loyalties within the criminal organization.

While MobLand follows familiar gangster tropes—organized crime families, internal struggles, and the fine line between right and wrong—it is executed with Ritchie’s signature sharp writing, magnetic performances, and gritty storytelling. The series has already secured a second season, ensuring that fans will be able to continue following the riveting drama for the foreseeable future.

Conclusion

Whether or not you were a Ray Donovan fan, MobLand offers an enticing new entry into the world of gangster dramas. While it began as a spinoff, it has evolved into a gripping standalone story of crime, power, and the blurry lines between good and evil. With Guy Ritchie at the helm and a star-studded cast, the show is set to capture the attention of both crime thriller enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

For those looking to dive into a fresh yet familiar crime drama, MobLand is available for streaming on Paramount+, with new episodes airing weekly. Don’t miss out on what is already shaping up to be one of the most talked-about gangster shows of the year.