Emmett J Scanlan on Tackling 'MobLand' and Upcoming Challenges with Guy Ritchie

• by Arlen Fitzpatrick
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Emmett J Scanlan, the charismatic star stepping into the chaotic world of Guy Ritchie's newest gangster saga, *MobLand*, plays Paul O'Donnell, the head of security for Pierce Brosnan's character. Set in a world where two formidable gangster families clash, the series is already creating a buzz with its high-stakes drama and intense portrayal of familial power struggles.

In a conversation reflecting on his role, Scanlan shared that the filming process was nothing short of a thrilling whirlwind. With an intense schedule breathing life into the narrative, the production felt like riding a rollercoaster of chaos and seduction, according to the actor. This atmosphere was fostered by the fast-paced filming rhythms and the inspiring locations, notably Soho Farmhouse, which became a temporary home for Scanlan during the shoot.

Preparing to don the character of O'Donnell, Scanlan immersed himself in a wealth of material. He crafted personal character playlists, a methodical approach to understanding his role better, mixed with intensive sessions of memorizing the scripts. His strategy doesn’t just stop at memorization; he deliberately discards the script once embedded in his mind, allowing for an authentic and spontaneous performance on set.

Scanlan credits much of the show's success to the directors, particularly Anthony Byrne, known for his work on *Kin*, and Laurence Gough. With Byrne, whom Scanlan affectionately refers to as a 'brother', the collaboration was rich and meaningful, while Gough brought a dynamism that further elevated the series.

The show also provided opportunities for Scanlan to form connections with iconic actors like Tom Hardy and Helen Mirren. Off-camera, the camaraderie and mutual respect among them translated into a familial bond that lightened the atmosphere amidst the gripping narrative.

Looking beyond *MobLand*, Scanlan has another intriguing project in the pipeline with Ritchie, titled *In The Grey*. Unlike the script-driven *MobLand*, this project leans heavily on improvisation, posing a fresh challenge and departure from the structured script work of Ritchie's past endeavors.

Away from the spotlight, Scanlan is a man of varied tastes. His current cultural engagements include binge-watching the hit series *The White Lotus*, diving into the literary world with Colm Tóibín's *The Magician*, and spinning blues tracks that humm in the background of his downtime. The actor also eagerly awaits the second season of *The Last of Us* and holds the movie *Rocky* in high regard as his all-time favorite film.

*MobLand* is poised to captivate audiences when it premieres on Paramount+ on March 30, 2025, rolling out episodes weekly and promising a ride filled with crime, emotions, and power plays that echo far beyond the screen.