Why Tom Hardy’s Netflix thriller Havoc is set in the US despite being filmed in Wales

Director Gareth Evans, known for “Havoc”, clarifies that although the Netflix thriller was filmed in Wales, it is actually set in the United States due to specific reasons.

In an undisclosed American metropolis, I find myself playing as a conflicted cop called Walker, portrayed by Hardy. My character’s on a mission to safeguard the offspring of a corrupt politico, all while unearthing a hidden conspiracy that threatens the city’s stability.

In an exclusive chat with Digital Spy, Evans explained why he chose to switch the film’s setting from the UK, where all scenes including the intense gunfights and high-speed car pursuits were filmed, to the United States.

Inquired about the reason that, although Havoc was filmed in Wales, its setting was in the U.S., Evans clarified: “Part of the explanation lies in the fact that, at the core, when I was planning to write this tale, it served two purposes.

The letter held deep affection, not only for the Hong Kong heroic bloodshed genre, a topic I’ve passionately discussed and hold close to my heart, including the works of filmmakers like John Woo and Ringo Lam. But it was also a tribute to the ’70s American crime cinema.

Speaking on the factors that led to setting the action in America, Evans mentioned he and Hardy had conversations about various iconic American films prior to shooting.

In our initial conversation with Tom, we often referenced movies such as “The French Connection” by Friedkin, “Serpico”, and “Thief” by Michael Mann. The atmosphere in these films resonated with me, and I knew I aimed to create a similar aesthetic. (Evans)

He went on to say: “In a sense, it’s like reminiscing about my childhood, with all the movies I watched being full of adventure, primarily set in the American criminal underworld. It seemed as though the police chases, gunfire, and everything else within those films resonated more strongly with America rather than the UK.

As reported by BBC, the movie “Havoc” was filmed on-site in Swansea. The campus of Swansea University served as the outdoor setting for several street scenes, while Brangwyn Hall was transformed into an American police station for the filming.

Simultaneously, a rustic fishing shack was constructed within the Welsh countryside of Merthyr Mawr. It’s said that this film, remarkably, will be the first and only full-length movie ever filmed entirely within Wales.

Havoc is available to watch now on Netflix.

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2025-04-25 23:19