Tom Hardy’s Netflix Thriller ‘Havoc’ Puts Wales on the Global Filmmaking Map
Netflix’s latest action thriller, Havoc, starring Tom Hardy and Forest Whitaker, is set to put Wales firmly on the global filmmaking map. Although the gritty crime story unfolds in an unnamed US city, every scene — from explosive car chases to intense shootouts — was filmed in locations across south Wales.
Wales Doubles as a Gritty American City
Directed by Gareth Evans, the Welsh filmmaker behind The Raid and Gangs of London, Havoc follows a jaded detective, played by Hardy, navigating the chaotic aftermath of a drug deal gone wrong. Despite being set in the US, Evans transformed Welsh locations like Swansea, Port Talbot, Cardiff, and Newport into convincing American cityscapes.
“I started going around Swansea, Port Talbot, Cardiff and Newport, looking for any little bit of architecture that might pass as a little bit Americana,” Evans said. “If we could get 30% or 40% real in-camera, the VFX could take care of the rest.”
Star-Studded Cast and Local Dedication
In addition to Hardy and Whitaker, Havoc boasts an all-star cast including Luis Guzmán, Jessie Mei Li, and Timothy Olyphant. The production faced multiple delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the US writers’ strike, but remained committed to filming entirely in Wales.
Jessie Mei Li, known for Netflix’s Shadow and Bone, shares top billing with Hardy. Key scenes were filmed at iconic Welsh locations: Swansea’s Brangwyn Hall doubled as an American police precinct, while Swansea University’s Bay Campus provided urban street shots. Even a rustic fishing shack was specially constructed in Merthyr Mawr.
Largest Feature Film Shot Entirely in Wales
According to Netflix and Creative Wales, Havoc is the largest feature film ever to be shot entirely in Wales, with post-production work also completed in Cardiff. The project partnered Wales-based Severn Screen with US production company XYZ Films, strengthening Wales’s growing reputation as a prime filming destination.
“When they see Havoc and what we pulled off, I think it’s going to blow their minds,” said Aram Tertzakian, co-founder of XYZ Films. “Wales is one of the good guys. You’ve got really hardworking crews, amazing locations, and we had a blast.”
Based on the information provided, I have crafted the following text: Havoc, the Netflix thriller starring Tom Hardy, has significantly placed Wales on the global filmmaking map. Key scenes were filmed at iconic Welsh locations, such as Swansea’s Brangwyn Hall and Swansea University’s Bay Campus. Notably, a rustic fishing shack was specially constructed in Merthyr Mawr to enhance the authenticity of the film. Havoc stands as the largest feature film ever shot entirely in Wales, with post-production work also finalized in Cardiff. The collaboration between Wales-based Severn Screen and US production company XYZ Films solidifies Wales’s reputation as a premier filming destination.
Havoc, the Netflix thriller featuring Tom Hardy, has positioned Wales prominently in the global filmmaking realm. Filming key scenes at renowned Welsh locations like Swansea’s Brangwyn Hall and Swansea University’s Bay Campus, the movie captured the essence of Wales. Noteworthy is the construction of a quaint fishing shack in Merthyr Mawr, adding to the film’s authenticity. Recognized as the largest feature film entirely shot in Wales, Havoc also completed post-production in Cardiff, showcasing the successful collaboration between Wales-based Severn Screen and US production company XYZ Films.
Economic and Cultural Impact
Netflix reported that its productions in Wales, including hit series Sex Education, have generated over £200 million for the UK economy since 2020. Welsh culture minister Jack Sargeant praised the impact of projects like Havoc, highlighting the “significant economic and reputational benefits” for Wales’s creative industries, which employ over 35,000 people.
With Havoc set to reach global audiences, Wales is poised to become an even more attractive location for future major film and TV projects — a true win for the country’s cinematic ambitions.
Category: Entertainment News, Film & TV
Tags: Tom Hardy, Havoc Netflix, Gareth Evans, Forest Whitaker, Welsh filmmaking, Swansea film locations, Cardiff film industry, Severn Screen, Netflix UK productions, Creative Wales
