On April 25, after a long wait, Netflix finally has a chance to redeem itself in the category of original movies with Tom Hardy’s Havoc. Since the streamer’s early days, critics have largely dismissed its original films. But with the upcoming movie from The Raid director Gareth Evans, Netflix has an opportunity to break its losing streak—at least in the eyes of critics.
Tom Hardy stars as a hardened detective in Havoc, navigating a dangerous criminal network to rescue a kidnapped politician’s son after a botched drug deal.
While the premise is compelling, the film’s main draw is Hardy’s performance, which, based on the teaser, features a distinct and dedicated accent. The man looks fully committed to this role. The movie also boasts a strong supporting cast, including Forest Whitaker, Timothy Olyphant, and Jessie Buckley.
Another factor that will surely help Netflix generate strong buzz for Havoc is its director—Gareth Evans. Yes, the same guy who helmed both The Raid movies and is also known for his work on the Gangs of London series.
Evans’ reputation for delivering intense, visceral action sequences is another major selling point. For Netflix, securing a project helmed by such a visionary action director signals a commitment to high-quality, visually stunning content. This partnership promises to bring a level of cinematic artistry and action choreography that could elevate Havoc and attract a wide audience, making it a potential hit for the streaming platform.
Filming for Havoc wrapped in 2021 in Cardiff, yet it has taken nearly four years to arrive on Netflix. The significant delay stemmed from multiple factors, most of which were beyond the filmmakers’ control. Evans was reportedly unsatisfied with the initial cut and realized he needed reshoots, despite completing principal photography in October 2021. Additionally, the SAG-AFTRA strike significantly pushed back the film’s release.
In a recent interview with Empire, director Gareth Evans praised Tom Hardy’s performance, describing him as being in “beast mode” throughout filming.
“Tom came to us in f*cking beast mode. I tapped him on the shoulder, and it was just like granite. He came fully physically prepared. Walker is not silky-smooth. He’s gonna cause as much carnage and as much mayhem as possible. He’s not grabbing your wrist and turning you into an arm lock. He’s grabbing you by the scruff of the neck and driving your face into the nearest heavy object.”
While Tom Hardy has a strong history in action films, Havoc appears to push him into uncharted territory. The trailer teases relentless, high-impact action, with Hardy engaging in physically demanding close-quarters combat, unlike anything he has done before. Although director Gareth Evans has clarified that the film isn’t a martial arts movie, his description of the fight sequences suggests a high-calibre action experience that will fully utilize the actor’s physical intensity. Stay tuned for more updates.
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