Mobsters, murderers, thugs, blackmailers, and crooks—these are the characters that populate Guy Ritchie's latest crime drama, "Mobland," which is currently streaming on Paramount+. At the heart of this gritty narrative is Pierce Brosnan, who portrays Conrad Harrigan, the head of one of London’s most feared crime families. Brosnan describes his character as a "psychopath in some regards," a businessman leading a family empire alongside his wife, Maeve, played by Helen Mirren. "The family is pretty much a mangled bunch—but that’s what drew me to it!" Brosnan reflected in a recent interview. "That and the writing of Ronan Bennett and Jez Butterworth, who really enhanced the drama, and Guy leading it off. So yeah, I had a great time working on the character. But he’s definitely a twisted soul."
As the Harrigan family faces threats from rival gangs, Maeve emerges as a formidable force in her own right. Brosnan acknowledges this dynamic, stating, "Well, yes, she certainly has that Lady Macbeth quality to her—and we did discuss that." He likens their relationship to Shakespeare's classic drama, noting that while he plays the overt crime boss, Maeve is always there, whispering in his ear. "He’s thuggish, brutal, instinctive. He’s an animal," Brosnan adds, emphasizing the complexity of their characters.
The film marks a notable reunion for Brosnan and Mirren, who first crossed paths in the 1980 film "The Long Good Friday." Brosnan recalls, "It was my first movie, a great gangster movie. My agent said, ‘You’re playing Killer Number 1.’" Their professional relationship has evolved, culminating in their collaboration on "Mobland" after they previously worked together in "The Thursday Murder Club." Brosnan expressed enthusiasm about returning to London for this project, saying, "I want to come back to London and work with Guy Ritchie." Mirren quickly agreed, and they were off to the races.
But what keeps audiences captivated by such morally ambiguous characters? Brosnan muses, "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. In this case, the Harrigans. 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." Indeed, the series debuted on March 30, 2025, and Brosnan assures viewers that it does not shy away from intense themes.
In addition to his work on "Mobland," Brosnan’s personal life also garners attention. He has been happily married to Keely Smith for nearly 24 years, and their relationship stands as a testament to enduring love in Hollywood. Ahead of the series' release, Brosnan shared insights into their marriage during an interview with Fox News Digital. "Keely and I, it'll be 31 years here soon. And it's all gone by in the blink of an eye, the speed of a flame. We like each other, and we have wonderful sons, and we have a creative life," he stated.
Despite the challenges of their busy careers, Brosnan emphasizes the strength of their bond. "She still makes my heart sing and she still makes my world turn," he said, noting that Keely supports his acting career and provides a stable home life. The couple first met in 1994 during a chance encounter in Mexico and married in August 2001 in Ireland. Together, they have two sons, Dylan and Paris, while Brosnan also has three children from his first marriage to Cassandra Harris, who passed away from ovarian cancer in 1991.
Reflecting on their long-lasting relationship, Brosnan remarked, "It’s always about solving problems and how you solve the problems and how can you deal with them, and the stresses and strains of life." He revealed that he and Keely had not seen each other in three months due to his filming schedule for "Mobland," but he looked forward to their reunion at the film's premiere. "It is date night with Keely," he shared with excitement.
At the premiere, the couple looked chic, with Keely donning a stunning black lace dress while Brosnan sported a navy suit. Their public appearances continue to showcase their deep connection, despite the challenges of their demanding careers.
In "Mobland," Brosnan's character, an Irishman with a distinct accent, brings a new layer to the narrative. He practiced his accent at home, amusingly recalling, "I think she liked it really. I think I surprised her with it and yeah, I suppose I had this cod Irish character that I play at home." The show features a star-studded cast, including Tom Hardy, Paddy Considine, and Joanne Froggatt, and revolves around the violent power struggle between two warring crime families.
Brosnan's character, described as "psychopathic and dangerous," reflects the show's darker themes. He expressed excitement about the role, saying, "Great character, great writing, magnificent cast. The scripts came to me last summer from Guy. I read the first five episodes and I jumped in." The series promises a thrilling ride, with an underlying message about the importance of family amidst chaos.
In a playful twist, Brosnan was asked if he would consider returning to the Bond franchise, not as 007, but as a villain. His response was lighthearted yet intriguing: "Could be. I mean, why not? It's entertainment. People would love it." His co-star Anson Boon, who plays his grandson in "Mobland," echoed this sentiment, saying, "I'd watch it!"
As Brosnan continues to embrace complex roles and maintain a loving family life, he remains a beloved figure in both Hollywood and the hearts of fans. With "Mobland" now available for viewing, audiences can witness the actor's latest transformation into a character that is as captivating as it is chilling.
