“Havoc” Star Tom Hardy on Challenges of Filming in Wales

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Netflix’s new thriller Havoc has just premiered on the platform as of April 25, 2025. The film stars Tom Hardy as Walker, a tough, corrupt detective navigating a gritty crime world after a drug deal goes horribly wrong. Hardy’s character is tasked with finding the missing son of a corrupt mayor before a violent gang does, uncovering a deep conspiracy along the way.

Although the story is set in a fictional American city inspired by a mix of East Coast cities like New York, Detroit, and Chicago, the entire movie was filmed across Wales. Locations included Cardiff, Barry, Swansea, Newport, and Port Talbot, with post-production also completed in Cardiff. This production is the largest feature film ever shot entirely in Wales, according to the Welsh Government and Netflix.

Director Gareth Evans, who is Welsh-born, chose to film in Wales to support local talent and because it was meaningful to him personally. He described the challenge of transforming Welsh towns into a believable American cityscape, using a combination of real architecture and visual effects to achieve the look. For example, Bute Street in Cardiff was transformed into an American boulevard complete with artificial snow.

Key filming spots included the Pierhead Building in Cardiff Bay, AB Ports, Trade Street, and Crockherbtown Lane. In Swansea, locations like Brangwyn Hall, Kon-Tiki Bar, The Strand, Proud Mary, and Evening Post Cambrian House were used. Some scenes, including intense fight sequences, were shot on specially built sets in Cardiff studios and on location in the Welsh countryside.

The film’s production highlights Wales as a growing hub for major TV and film projects, supported by Creative Wales and the Welsh Government. Netflix productions in Wales have generated over £200 million for the UK economy since 2020 and created hundreds of local jobs.

Tom Hardy was reportedly seen enjoying his time in Wales during filming, which took place mostly in 2021 but faced delays before its 2025 release. The film has received mixed reviews but is noted for its intense action and gritty noir atmosphere, continuing Gareth Evans’ reputation for visceral filmmaking.

In summary, Havoc is a high-octane action thriller set in a fictional US city but filmed entirely in Wales, showcasing the country’s diverse locations and film production capabilities while starring Tom Hardy in a complex, corrupt detective role.