The One Role Tom Hiddleston Could Have Had – And Why He Might Never Get Over Turning It Down

Tom Hiddleston, the versatile British actor renowned for his portrayal of the mischievous Loki in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has built a career marked by a wide range of roles across film, television, and theater. From his unforgettable turn as the god of mischief to acclaimed performances in The Night Manager and on Broadway in Betrayal, Hiddleston’s career trajectory has been one of thoughtful choices and impressive versatility. However, curiosity surrounds whether there is a specific role he regrets turning down—a question that prompts an in-depth look at his career and public statements.

Hiddleston’s Career: A Brief Overview

Hiddleston’s rise to fame began with his role as Loki in Thor (2011), and his portrayal of the character quickly became a fan favorite across the Marvel franchise. His ability to embody both the charming and villainous aspects of Loki has made him one of the most memorable figures in the MCU. Beyond his work in Hollywood blockbusters, Hiddleston has also found success in television, particularly with his critically acclaimed role in The Night Manager (2016), for which he won a Golden Globe. His stage credits, such as his performance in Harold Pinter’s Betrayal on Broadway, further showcase his depth as an actor.

Despite his stellar career, there has been no widely reported mention of Hiddleston expressing regret over any roles he turned down. Interviews and public statements provide insight into his thought process, but none point to a specific film or project that he wishes he had taken.

The Search for Regret: What Has Hiddleston Said?

To investigate the possibility of Hiddleston harboring regrets about missed opportunities, I reviewed numerous interviews and articles. A noteworthy instance came from a 2016 interview with Business Insider, where Hiddleston spoke about the general fear of regret. He shared, “Mine is regret. I fear looking back and wishing I had done things I hadn’t.” While this statement reveals his aversion to regret, it is a broad reflection on life rather than a regret tied to a specific role.

Further exploration into high-profile roles that Hiddleston was linked to, such as James Bond, also yielded no concrete evidence of regret. In 2017, BBC News highlighted that Hiddleston was a “hot favorite” to take over the iconic role of 007. However, no interviews or statements from Hiddleston suggest that he turned down the role or later regretted not being cast.

Speculation on Missed Opportunities

While the media occasionally speculated on roles that Hiddleston could have pursued, such as Bond or other major franchises, there is no direct confirmation that he turned down any of these projects. This contrasts with other actors who have openly discussed their decisions to turn down roles, whether due to personal reasons or scheduling conflicts.

The absence of any public regret from Hiddleston might suggest that he has embraced his career choices, accepting both the successes and near-misses that have come his way. In the world of Hollywood, actors frequently make choices based on timing, personal interests, and the projects available at a given moment—factors that may prevent them from looking back with regret.

Conclusion: A Career Without Public Regrets

Despite the curiosity surrounding Tom Hiddleston’s career decisions, no concrete evidence suggests that he regrets turning down any specific role. While he has expressed a fear of regret in general terms, no public statements or interviews directly link him to a particular missed opportunity. Hiddleston’s career choices reflect a thoughtful approach to his craft, selecting roles that align with his artistic goals and personal interests.

As of May 2025, it seems that Hiddleston’s career, full of diverse and critically acclaimed roles, remains free of specific regrets. His career continues to thrive with opportunities in both film and theater, leaving fans to wonder what new roles he will take on next, rather than what he might have missed along the way.