Tom Hardy News Update: August 26, 2025

Two significant developments emerged today regarding acclaimed actor Tom Hardy, marking both a long-awaited return and an unexpected departure from high-profile projects. The Oscar-nominated actor confirmed the revival of his critically acclaimed period series while simultaneously being replaced in an upcoming Apple TV+ thriller, highlighting the dynamic nature of Hollywood casting decisions.

Tom Hardy Confirms Long-Awaited ‘Taboo’ Season 2 Development

In a major announcement that has thrilled fans of the atmospheric period thriller, Tom Hardy officially confirmed that Taboo Season 2 is now in active development after years of speculation. Speaking with LadBible while promoting his new Paramount+ series MobLand, Hardy revealed that he is currently writing the highly anticipated second season of the series that first captivated audiences in 2017.

The original Taboo was created through a collaboration between Hardy, Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight, and Hardy’s father, Chips Hardy. The series followed the mysterious adventures of James Keziah Delaney in 19th-century London, combining elements of historical drama with supernatural undertones. While discussions about a second season have “ebbed and flowed” since the show’s debut, nothing concrete had materialized until now.

Hardy’s confirmation that “We’re writing that at the moment” suggests that the project has moved beyond preliminary discussions into active script development. Although Hardy did not explicitly confirm Steven Knight’s involvement in the writing process, it appears likely that the acclaimed screenwriter will once again join forces with Hardy for this long-awaited continuation.

The announcement comes at a time when Hardy is expanding his television presence, currently starring alongside Pierce Brosnan and Helen Mirren in the crime series MobLand on Paramount+. This strategic move toward television projects aligns with Hardy’s recent comments about his evolving career priorities and physical limitations from years of demanding action roles.

Hardy Exits Apple TV+ Serial Killer Thriller ‘Lazarus’

In a surprising casting change, Tom Hardy has been replaced by Stephen Graham in Apple TV+’s upcoming serial killer thriller Lazarus. The project, which was first announced in 2023 with Hardy attached to star alongside Zazie Beetz, will now move forward with Graham taking on the role of serial killer Jurek Walter.

According to Deadline, no specific reason was provided for Hardy’s departure from the project, with industry sources describing such casting changes as routine occurrences in Hollywood development. The series, which also features Liev Schreiber, is based on the Joona Linna novels by Lars Kepler, the collaborative pseudonym for writing team Alexandra Coelho Ahndoril and Alexander Ahndoril.

Stephen Graham, who recently garnered acclaim for his performance in the Netflix hit Adolescence, represents a strategic casting replacement for Apple TV+. Graham’s proven track record in complex character roles makes him well-suited for the psychological demands of portraying serial killer Jurek Walter, a character that requires both menace and psychological depth.

The timing of Hardy’s exit coincides with his increased focus on other projects, including the active development of Taboo Season 2 and his continued involvement with MobLand. This scheduling realignment suggests that Hardy may be prioritizing projects where he maintains greater creative control, particularly those involving his established collaborative relationships.

Industry Context and Future Implications

These simultaneous developments reflect broader trends in Hardy’s career trajectory as he approaches his 50th birthday. In recent interviews, the actor has discussed his evolving relationship with physically demanding roles and his desire to focus on projects that offer both creative fulfillment and sustainable working conditions.

The confirmation of Taboo Season 2 represents a return to one of Hardy’s most creatively ambitious projects, where he serves not only as the lead actor but also as co-creator and writer. This level of creative control aligns with Hardy’s recent statements about seeking projects that offer artistic satisfaction beyond commercial success.

Meanwhile, his departure from Lazarus, while unexplained, follows a pattern of selective project choices that prioritize collaborative relationships and creative ownership over purely financial considerations. The replacement casting of Stephen Graham ensures that Apple TV+’s investment in the series remains secure while allowing Hardy to focus resources on his priority projects.

Conclusion

Today’s news underscores Tom Hardy’s strategic approach to project selection as he balances commercial opportunities with creative fulfillment. The revival of Taboo Season 2 promises to deliver the atmospheric storytelling that made the original series a critical success, while his departure from Lazarus demonstrates his willingness to prioritize projects where he maintains creative control. As Hardy continues to evolve as both actor and storyteller, these decisions reflect a mature career strategy focused on sustainable creativity rather than purely commercial considerations.