Netflix - Havoc : Tom Hardy and Gareth Evans Unite for a Brutal Action Thriller

By Mulder, 26 february 2025

Netflix is gearing up to release Havoc, an action-packed thriller directed and written by Gareth Evans, the mastermind behind The Raid films. With a stellar cast led by Tom Hardy, alongside Forest Whitaker, Luis Guzmán, and Timothy Olyphant, the film promises to deliver intense action sequences, brutal hand-to-hand combat, and a deep dive into the seedy underbelly of crime and corruption. Set for release on April 25, 2025, Havoc has been one of the most highly anticipated action films in recent years, particularly due to Evans’ reputation for meticulously crafted fight scenes and Hardy’s magnetic screen presence.

At the core of Havoc is a gripping, high-stakes narrative that blends raw physicality with a complex web of conspiracy. The story follows a seasoned detective, battered and bruised, who finds himself caught in a violent criminal underworld after a drug deal goes terribly wrong. Tasked with rescuing the estranged son of a powerful politician, he quickly realizes that his mission is far more complicated than anticipated. As he fights his way through waves of ruthless criminals, he begins to unravel a city-wide web of corruption that extends deep into the very institutions meant to uphold justice. Evans, known for his kinetic storytelling and visceral action sequences, has crafted Havoc to be more than just a straightforward action movie. The film promises a blend of intricate choreography, immersive cinematography, and a noir-infused tone that examines the gray areas between law enforcement and organized crime. The director's ability to balance character depth with relentless action ensures that audiences will be in for a thrilling and emotionally charged ride.

From its inception, Havoc attracted high-profile talent, beginning with Tom Hardy, who was announced as the film’s lead in early 2021. Known for his intense, physically demanding performances in films like Mad Max: Fury Road and The Dark Knight Rises, Hardy brings his signature intensity to the role of the detective fighting against insurmountable odds. Shortly after Hardy’s casting, Oscar-winning actor Forest Whitaker joined the project, adding his gravitas to what is expected to be a pivotal role in the film. In June 2021, the cast expanded further with the addition of Timothy Olyphant, Justin Cornwell, Jessie Mei Li, and Yeo Yann Yann, among others. Supporting roles went to Quelin Sepulveda, Luis Guzmán, Sunny Pang, and Michelle Waterson, rounding out an impressive ensemble. Behind the camera, Gareth Evans takes full creative control as the film’s director, writer, and producer. Alongside Evans, Havoc is produced by Hardy himself, Ed Talfan for Severn Screen, and Aram Tertzakian and Raúl Reynoso of XYZ Films. The film’s cinematography is handled by Matt Flannery, a longtime collaborator of Evans, while the score is composed by Tyler Bates, known for his work on John Wick and Guardians of the Galaxy.

The production of Havoc was nothing short of ambitious. Principal photography began on July 8, 2021, in Cardiff, Wales, where much of the film was shot. As one of the largest productions ever undertaken in Wales, the film left a significant impact on the local film industry, employing numerous local crew members and making use of various iconic locations. Hardy was spotted filming intense action sequences at Barry Island Pleasure Park in South Wales and outside the historic Brangwyn Hall in Swansea, adding a unique visual identity to the film’s urban setting. Filming wrapped on October 22, 2021, but the road to completion was not without its challenges. Evans later revealed that reshoots were necessary due to unforeseen circumstances, including scheduling conflicts and delays caused by the SAG-AFTRA strike. In July 2024, Evans announced via Instagram that two weeks of additional shooting had been completed, allowing the team to fine-tune the film for its highly anticipated release.

Following years of development and production, Havoc is finally set to premiere worldwide on Netflix on April 25, 2025. Given Evans’ reputation as one of the most innovative action directors of his generation and Hardy’s status as a powerhouse actor, expectations are sky-high. Audiences can expect a film that delivers more than just intense fight sequences; Havoc aims to immerse viewers in a gritty, unforgiving world where survival is brutal and justice is never black-and-white. With Evans’ meticulous approach to action choreography, the film is likely to feature some of the most breathtaking combat sequences seen in recent cinema, reminiscent of his work in The Raid series. As Havoc prepares for its release, action fans and cinephiles alike are eagerly anticipating what could be one of Netflix’s biggest hits of 2025. With its compelling narrative, a top-tier cast, and the signature action-packed style of Gareth Evans, Havoc is poised to be an electrifying and unforgettable cinematic experience.

Synopsis :
A bruised detective must fight his way through the criminal underworld after a drug deal goes wrong to save a politician's son, while unraveling a web of corruption and conspiracy that ensnares the entire city.

Havoc
Written and directed by Gareth Evans
Produced by Gareth Evans, Tom Hardy, Ed Talfan, Aram Tertzakian
Starring Tom Hardy, Forest Whitaker, Timothy Olyphant, Justin Cornwell, Luis Guzmán
Cinematography : Matt Flannery
Edited by Sara Jones
Music by Tyler Bates
Production companies : One More One, Severn Screen, XYZ Films
Distributed by Netflix
Release date : April 25, 2025 (United States, France)