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Pierce Brosnan has traded his suave spy persona for something far grittier in Paramount+’s record-breaking crime drama MOBLAND. The series, which debuted on March 30, 2025, garnered an impressive 2.2 million global viewers on its premiere day, making it the streaming service’s most successful original series launch ever. At the center of this gritty narrative stands Brosnan as Conrad Harrigan, the ruthless patriarch of one of London’s most feared crime families.

The Irish actor embraces this complex character with evident relish. “He’s thuggish, brutal, instinctive. He’s an animal,” Brosnan reveals about his role, describing Conrad as “a psychopath in some regards.” This darker character represents a significant departure from his more polished screen personas, allowing Brosnan to reclaim his Irish accent and dive into unexplored dramatic territory. He practiced the accent at home, amusing those around him with his “cod Irish character.”

MOBLAND revolves around the Harrigan family’s power struggles within a global crime syndicate, with Helen Mirren starring as Conrad’s wife, Maeve. Their on-screen partnership evokes Shakespearean dynamics. “Well, yes, she certainly has that Lady Macbeth quality to her—and we did discuss that,” Brosnan notes. While he portrays the overt crime boss, Maeve is constantly there, whispering in his ear, creating a fascinating power dynamic at the heart of the series.

The production marks a significant reunion for Brosnan and Mirren, who first worked together in the 1980 film THE LONG GOOD FRIDAY, which was Brosnan’s first movie role playing “Killer Number 1.” Their collaboration on MOBLAND came about naturally after they previously worked together on THE THURSDAY MURDER CLUB. When the opportunity arose to return to London and work with acclaimed director Guy Ritchie, both actors jumped at the chance.

The impressive ensemble cast extends beyond these two veterans, featuring Tom Hardy as the family’s new “fixer,” alongside Paddy Considine, Joanne Froggatt, and Anson Boon as Brosnan’s grandson. Under Guy Ritchie’s direction, who helmed the pilot and serves as executive producer, the series benefits from the sharp writing of Ronan Bennett and Jez Butterworth, who “really enhanced the drama,” according to Brosnan.

When asked about the enduring appeal of morally ambiguous characters like the Harrigans, Brosnan offers a thoughtful reflection: “It’s a good question. I’m not sure if it’s easily answered. But look at any dramas from Shakespeare or Jacobean tragedies, you have these devious families. They’re sexy. They’re dangerous. And people like sex, violence, and good drama. And when it’s wrapped up by Guy and his team, it’s watchable. People want to be turned on by it! And this is a show that really moves fast.”

At the MOBLAND premiere, Brosnan appeared effortlessly elegant in a navy suit, his presence underscoring his status as a seasoned performer taking on new artistic challenges. In a playful moment during press interviews, he addressed speculation about potentially returning to the James Bond franchise—not as 007, but as a villain. His response was characteristically charming: “Could be. I mean, why not? It’s entertainment. People would love it.” His MOBLAND co-star Anson Boon enthusiastically supported the idea: “I’d watch it!”

As Brosnan continues to embrace increasingly complex roles, he remains a beloved figure both in Hollywood and among fans worldwide. With MOBLAND now available for streaming on Paramount+, audiences can witness the actor’s latest transformation into a character that is as captivating as it is chilling—further cementing his status as one of the industry’s most versatile and enduring talents.