Tom Hardy’s ‘Havoc’ Leads Netflix’s Wales Gambit With $265 Million Economic Boost
Netflix‘s strategic investment in Welsh production hubs has generated more than £200 million ($265 million) for the U.K. economy since 2020, according to a report released Wednesday by the streaming giant and Creative Wales.
The economic windfall comes as the streamer gears to bow director Gareth Evans’ action thriller “Havoc,” starring Tom Hardy – now holding the distinction as the largest feature film ever shot entirely within Wales.
“From ‘Sex Education’ to ‘The Crown,’ and now to ‘Havoc,’ some of our most beloved titles were filmed or produced in Wales,” said Anna Mallet, Netflix’s VP of production for the U.K. “Blessed with incredible creative talent and beautiful natural landscapes, Wales is an amazing place to make entertainment.”
The Welsh investment represents part of Netflix’s broader U.K. production strategy, with the nation becoming a key filming destination for the streamer’s high-profile content. Beyond “Havoc,” Wales has hosted production for tentpole series including “The Witcher,” creating substantial economic ripple effects throughout the region.
According to the report, Netflix productions have supported over 500 Welsh businesses across multiple sectors since 2020. For every £1 ($1.32) spent by the streamer in Wales, 58 pence (76 cents) flows to TV and film sectors, with the remainder benefiting industries including rental and leasing, creative arts, and food and hospitality. The financial impact extends beyond direct spending, with each £1 invested by Netflix generating an additional 80 pence ($1.06) across the Welsh supply chain.
Welsh Culture Minister Jack Sargeant said: “We are immensely proud of our Welsh creative industries, which employ over 35,000 talented individuals, and the world-class infrastructure we have in place for film and TV productions.”
The investment has also created a talent pipeline through the production of “Sex Education,” which established over 60 trainee and apprenticeship roles, many evolving into full-time industry positions. The streamer’s “Ignite Your Creativity” program, created in partnership with the National Youth Theatre, has reached more than 350 young people through workshops across Newport, Cardiff, Port Talbot, Torfaen and Bridgend.
Netflix has also embraced Welsh cultural identity by offering Welsh-language subtitles on content including Ryan Reynolds’ “The Adam Project” and “Red Notice.” In 2023, the platform licensed “Dal Y Mellt,” marking its first Welsh language series.
“Havoc” director Gareth Evans, himself Welsh, said: “It was such an exciting prospect to make a film such as ‘Havoc’ in Wales. Seeing the impact that productions of its scope can have on local businesses while showcasing the creative talent here has been incredible.”
Creative Wales’ interim head Joedi Langley added that the organization looks forward to “working in partnership with Netflix for many years to come to help Wales realize its full potential as a filming destination for major local and international productions.”
