![‘Havoc’: Gareth Evans Talks Tom Hardy, Virtual Cameras, Christmas Violence & The Possibility Of ‘The Raid 3’ [The Discourse Podcast]](https://www.atlaswebrise.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/E28098Havoc-Gareth-Evans-Talks-Tom-Hardy-Virtual-Cameras-Christmas-Violence-The-Possibility-Of-E.jpeg "E28098Havoc-Gareth-Evans-Talks-Tom-Hardy-Virtual-Cameras-Christmas-Violence-The-Possibility-Of-E.jpeg"){kind=small}
Welsh filmmaker Gareth Evans has made a name for himself with visceral, kinetic action that redefined the genre, particularly with cult classics like “The Raid” and “The Raid 2.” With his latest film, “Havoc,” the Welsh filmmaker brings his hard-hitting, bloody vision to Netflix, enlisting Tom Hardy for a gritty, bruising descent into a seedy criminal underworld. The film follows a bruised detective (Hardy) who must fight his way through a criminal underworld to rescue a politician’s estranged son while unraveling a deep web of corruption and conspiracy. The film also stars Forest Whitaker, Jessie Mei Li, Luis Guzmán, Timothy Olyphant, Justin Cornwell, and Yeo Yann Yann.
In the latest episode of The Discourse, Evans joins the podcast to discuss the long-awaited thriller, how he brought Hardy into his action sandbox, and why he might be warming back up to the idea of returning to the world of “The Raid.”
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Evans describes “Havoc” as a hybrid of his influences from early Hong Kong and American action movies. “It was this love letter to ’70s American movies,” he said, citing “The French Connection” (1971) and Michael Mann’s “Thief” (1981) as key inspirations. On the Hong Kong side, the influences are even more pronounced: “Hard Boiled” (1992) and “The Killer” (1989) by John Woo are essential viewing for Evans, who calls Hard Boiled “probably the perfect action movie.”
As for Hardy, Evans said the collaboration was a long time coming. “Our paths almost crossed several times in the past,” he said. But once Hardy signed on, the two quickly found common ground. “Action is in my wheelhouse, but Tom brought this wealth of experience crafting fascinating, textured, layered characters. He does deep-dive character explorations, which elevated my game as a director.” Evans also called “Mad Max: Fury Road” a “biblical text” of action filmmaking, praising Hardy’s physicality and performance.
And for fans wondering how Havoc opens, it kicks into gear immediately. The first major set piece, a car chase through city streets, was built during COVID using Unreal Engine and virtual camera technology. “They told me it was possible to put the animation in Unreal Engine and then put me inside the 3D space with an iPad as a camera,” Evans explained. “It blew my mind.” Despite its digital origins, that setup allowed him to design shots with crane moves, handheld energy, and an overall tactile feel. Still, Evans said it was a tool born out of necessity rather than a method he’d use by default moving forward.
Despite taking years to complete, Havoc remained largely intact. Evans estimates that about “10%” of the final cut is new footage shot after the film’s initial production, primarily focused on deepening the backstory of certain characters and giving Jessie Mei Li a better introduction. “Her performance demanded a better introduction than I had given her previously,” Evans admitted. The long post-production period, caused by COVID and scheduling delays, also helped him detach from the footage and approach it with fresh eyes. “I wasn’t so precious about everything,” he said.
As for the tone, Havoc may surprise some with its holiday setting. “It is a Christmas movie,” Evans confirmed with a laugh. “It was a nice universal thread to play across the movie,” he explained, noting that the story features estranged or grieving parents navigating broken relationships amid the season’s chaos. The film ends in a way that could potentially tee up a prison-set sequel—something Evans said Hardy has already floated.
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“If one were so inclined, then yes. But yeah, what’s interesting was like, when we were filming, Tom mentioned that once or twice as well. He was like, oh, you know, if we were going to do a follow-up, this is what that, you know, it could be because we don’t know what the fate is of Walker’s character necessarily. You know, is he going to atone? Is he going to confess? Is he going to, you know, obviously these are all spoiler territory comments here, but like, you know, there was a lot there that could be developed about, you know, where Walker’s life goes next after the credits. And that was what was so interesting about that character was this idea of like, it’s not one gigantic sort of like arc of redemption. It’s about him reaching a point where he can take his first step towards that.”
And of course, the conversation wouldn’t be complete without talk of “The Raid 3.” Evans has long distanced himself from doing another sequel, but now says he’s not ruling it out. “I won’t lie and pretend like I don’t sit there now with a new idea,” he admitted. “While I’m not dismissing it outright… It’s definitely up for conversation again. So yeah, maybe.” Sounds like things might be coming together…
“Havoc” debuts on Netflix on April 25. You can listen to the whole conversation with Gareth Evans below:
The Playlist Presents: Gareth Evans’ Film/TV Recommendation Playlist:
- The French Connection (1971)
- Thief (1981)
- The Killer (1989)
- Hard Boiled (1992)
- The Longest Night (2019)
- Exiled (2006)
- Election (2005)
- As Tears Go By (1988)
- The Adventures of Tintin (2011)
Television:
- The Shield (2002–2008)
- Barry (2018–2023)
