‘MobLand’ EP Teases What Season 3 Holds for Tom Hardy as ‘Laird’ Star Peter Sarsgaard Shares How He Feels About Playing a “Malevolent U.S. Billionaire”

Skip to main content Home TV TV News Star and content power were in focus at the Paramount U.K. upfront event in central London. From left: Peter Sarsgaard, Kelly Reilly and Kenneth Branagh attend the Paramount UK Upfront in London on Thursday. Darren Gerrish/Getty Images for Paramount UK Peter Sarsgaard infused a Paramount U.K. upfront event in London on Thursday evening with some political commentary, while the executive producer of his upcoming Paramount+ series Laird and the streamer’s MobLand teased what season 3 will bring for star Tom Hardy. Sarsgaard appeared during a discussion with fellow Laird star Kenneth Branagh and executive producer David Glasser about their upcoming family drama series set in the Scottish Highlands. Sarsgaard told the audience that he is playing a “malevolent American billionaire,” who is looking to take land from Branagh’s proud Scot, who is defiant. “It’s an interesting time to be an American in the world,” he shared. “When I grew up, you watched Raiders of the Lost Ark, and the Nazis were the bad guys. But I don’t feel conflicted right now [about taking on this role]. It feels right.” The star concluded: “I’m really enjoying that aspect of it.” Branagh said about Laird: “It’s a great world and has lots of riveting characters made by people who know how to put these things together.” Branagh and Sarsgaard called the production in the Scottish Highlands demanding, comparing it to an 800-meter run. Executive producer and 101 Studios boss Glasser shared that his team is focused on making the show really “epic.” About MobLand, he shared an early tease for the recently confirmed season 3 and what it will bring for one of its main stars. “Someone will challenge Tom Hardy,” he said to cheers, but he didn’t share more. Thursday evening’s London event also featured video messages from Samuel L. Jackson and David Beckham, along with a live appearance by Yellowstone and Dutton Ranch star Kelly Reilly. A video touting the combined star and content power of the merged Skydance and featuring various Paramount and Warner Bros. brands and ending with Tom Cruise sitting atop the company’s iconic water tower, closed the event’s formal part. “We’re only getting started,” Paramount international ad sales president Lee Sears concluded. “And the best is yet to come.” From left: Lee Sears, David Glasser, Peter Sarsgaard, Kelly Reilly, Kenneth Branagh and Katie Coteman at the Paramount UK Upfront Thursday night in London. Darren Gerrish/Getty Images for Paramount UK THR Newsletters Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day Subscribe Sign Up