Tom Hardy Trained Like a Beast for ‘Havoc’—And It Shows in Every Brutal Frame

Tom Hardy is no stranger to physical preparation for his roles, but for his latest project, Havoc, the stakes were higher than ever. Playing “Walker,” a detective navigating a corrupt criminal underworld, Hardy is once again diving deep into action-heavy sequences that demand peak physical conditioning. This time, however, the preparation required was more intense, as Havoc features brutal combat, gunplay, and high-octane action sequences that have already drawn early praise from critics.

Training for Relentless Action

Set in a dark and gritty criminal underworld, Havoc is a neo-noir thriller directed by Gareth Evans, known for his intense action films like The Raid. Hardy’s role as Walker, a bruised and battered detective tasked with rescuing a politician’s estranged son, required more than just emotional preparation. As the film is packed with fight scenes and dramatic stunts, Hardy knew he would need to train extensively to meet the physical demands of the role.

In an interview with Digital Spy, Hardy shared, “I trained a lot for it and I’m glad I did because it was intense enough to keep up with people who are very, very athletic, switched on and focused.” This intense training was crucial not only to keep pace with the action but also to align himself with the athleticism of his co-stars and the stunt team. Hardy’s commitment to fitness was further underscored by his willingness to embrace the grueling nature of the shoot, working alongside director Gareth Evans to ensure the action sequences felt real and powerful.

The Collaborative Nature of Action Filmmaking

Hardy’s physical training was just one aspect of his preparation. He also worked closely with his body double, Jacob Tomuri, to ensure the most physically demanding scenes went off without a hitch. Hardy expressed his gratitude for Tomuri, acknowledging the “great support” he received from him during the shoot. The film’s many stunt performers, Hardy explained, were instrumental in helping him perform at his best, with their expertise elevating the entire production.

“The entire set is saturated with stunt performers whose job is literally to make people like me look better,” Hardy said. “But I really enjoyed being part of that.” Hardy’s collaborative attitude speaks to the level of teamwork that goes into creating high-level action sequences. This was especially important given the film’s intense nightclub fight scene, which critics have called one of the highlights of the film.

Critical Reception and Early Buzz

Havoc has already made waves in the film community, with critics praising the sheer intensity of the action. Following its London premiere, Digital Spy’s Ian Sandwell took to social media, calling the film “insanely violent” and highlighting its exhilarating action sequences. Letterboxd’s Mitchell Beaupre joined in, noting the film’s “relentlessly brutal” nature and describing its action sequences as some of the best seen in years. These early reactions suggest that Hardy’s training paid off, allowing him to fully embody his character and bring authenticity to the action-heavy sequences.

A Shift in Training Focus: Endurance Over Martial Arts

While Hardy has undergone significant physical training for previous roles—such as his portrayal of Eddie Brock/Venom in Venom—Havoc required a different approach. Unlike Venom, where Hardy had to focus on martial arts and agility, Havoc demanded an emphasis on endurance and strength. Director Gareth Evans pointed out that Havoc is rooted more in traditional action, with a focus on gunplay and physical altercations, rather than martial arts choreography. This shift in focus meant Hardy’s training had to adapt, concentrating on long-lasting strength and stamina to endure the physicality of the role.

The Emotional and Physical Toll

In addition to the brutal action sequences, Hardy’s role in Havoc required an emotional commitment to his character’s journey. As Walker fights his way through vengeful crime syndicates, crooked politicians, and even fellow officers, the character’s physical struggles mirror his internal conflicts. This dual intensity—physical and emotional—added another layer of complexity to Hardy’s training regimen.

Conclusion: A Testament to Hard Work

As Havoc nears its April 2025 release, all signs point to a film that will redefine action cinema in the neo-noir genre. Tom Hardy’s preparation for the role of Walker, characterized by intense physical training and a collaborative approach to stunt work, has clearly paid off. With early praise already heaping onto the action sequences, including the famed nightclub fight, Hardy’s commitment to his craft is evident. The result promises to be a relentless, brutal film that showcases Hardy at his action-hero best, a fitting tribute to the film’s high stakes and hard-hitting narrative.