Tom Hardy Opens Up About the Pride & Prejudice Role He Never Got — And the Producer Who Shut Him Down
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
Tom Hardy, one of Hollywood’s most versatile actors, has shared the story behind the speculation that he was once in the running to play Mr. Darcy in the 2005 film adaptation of Pride & Prejudice. However, it turns out that Hardy was never even given a chance to audition for the iconic role. Instead, he received a rather direct—and blunt—dismissal from one of the movie’s producers.
In a recent interview with the Thin Blue Paw Foundation, Hardy addressed the long-standing rumor about his potential involvement in the film. With his usual humor, Hardy clarified, “I didn’t actually get an audition.” He went on to reveal the conversation he had with a producer, explaining, “I was told categorically by a lovely producer that ‘all women have an image or a vision of what Mr. Darcy looks like. And, I’m afraid, Tom, you just aren’t it.’”
Hardy’s lighthearted response, “That’s showbiz!” highlights his ability to laugh off the situation, though it’s clear that he wasn’t exactly disheartened by the rejection.
While fans might have imagined Hardy’s portrayal of the brooding, romantic figure of Mr. Darcy, the role ultimately went to Matthew Macfadyen. Macfadyen’s portrayal of the character opposite Keira Knightley’s Elizabeth Bennet remains one of the defining performances of the film. Despite Hardy’s absence from the film, the 2005 adaptation has remained a beloved classic, and Macfadyen’s Darcy was received with great acclaim, cementing his place in literary adaptation history.
Interestingly, last year, Macfadyen, now an Emmy-winning star from Succession, admitted that he never fully felt at ease in his portrayal of Mr. Darcy. He confessed to Vanity Fair that he felt “a bit miscast” in the role, a revelation that further adds depth to the ongoing discussions about this celebrated adaptation.
As Pride & Prejudice approaches its 20th anniversary, the film continues to resonate with audiences around the world. Director Joe Wright recently shared insights with Vanity Fair, revealing that the film had two different endings depending on where it was released, a fascinating piece of film trivia that speaks to the global impact of the adaptation.
The enduring popularity of Pride & Prejudice has led to a new version of the story currently in the works at Netflix. Starring Emma Corrin of The Crown fame and Jack Lowden of Slow Horses, with Olivia Colman also set to appear, the upcoming series promises to bring a fresh take on the classic novel, with high expectations for both the acting talent and the direction.
Though Hardy never played Mr. Darcy, his reflection on the rejection only adds to the legendary status of this literary character and its various adaptations. As for Hardy, he continues to solidify his place as one of the most compelling actors of his generation, no matter the role he takes on next.
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