Zawe Ashton Reveals the Empowering Advice Fiancé Tom Hiddleston Gave Before Her Marvel Debut

When Zawe Ashton stepped into the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the villain Dar-Benn in The Marvels (2023), she did so with the backing of someone who knows the MCU inside and out: her fiancé, Tom Hiddleston. Best known for his fan-favorite role as Loki since 2011, Hiddleston drew from more than a decade of experience to offer Ashton both motivational and practical guidance as she prepared for her first superhero blockbuster.

“What You Put Into Marvel, You Get Back”

In interviews around the release of The Marvels, Ashton shared that Hiddleston encouraged her to approach the role with enthusiasm and commitment. His central message was simple yet powerful: “What you put into Marvel, you get back.”

Hiddleston, who has cultivated one of the MCU’s most enduring characters, emphasized three key points:

• Open-heartedness – approaching the work with emotional investment and joy.

• Strong work ethic – treating the production with professionalism and focus.

• Fan-first mentality – recognizing that delivering a great experience for audiences ultimately creates a rewarding journey for the cast as well.

The advice reflected Hiddleston’s own reputation as one of Marvel’s most dedicated and collaborative actors. Over the years, he has embraced the MCU’s unique culture, where performances on screen are paired with fan engagement at premieres, conventions, and beyond.

A Practical Note on Superhero Costumes

Hiddleston also passed along some practical—and humorous—wisdom, informed by his years in Loki’s elaborate armor: “Make sure you have enough zippers to go to the bathroom in your costume.”

While tongue-in-cheek, the advice touched on a very real challenge for superhero actors. Elaborate costumes, though visually striking, can be restrictive and uncomfortable during long days on set. Ashton’s Dar-Benn costume, with its futuristic design and commanding silhouette, was no exception.

Stepping Into the Marvel Family

For Ashton, the guidance was more than helpful—it was empowering. Taking on a major role in a global franchise comes with both immense pressure and immense opportunity, and Hiddleston’s words of encouragement helped frame the experience as one of mutual respect between actor, production, and fan community.

The couple’s connection to the MCU also added a unique layer of intrigue for fans. While Hiddleston’s Loki has evolved into one of Marvel’s most complex characters—so popular he earned his own Disney+ series—Ashton made her mark as a formidable antagonist, demonstrating that the Marvel family is one they now share on and off screen.

A Legacy of Dedication

Ashton’s reflections underscore the kind of support system that can make or break a first-time Marvel experience. For Hiddleston, who has embodied Loki through more than a decade of shifting storylines, the lesson is clear: sincerity, discipline, and humor go a long way.

For Ashton, that meant not only playing Dar-Benn with ferocity and conviction but also surviving the practical realities of a supervillain’s wardrobe—zippers included.

Would you like me to frame this piece as more of a feature on their relationship and shared Marvel journey, or a behind-the-scenes industry story emphasizing how Hiddleston’s long MCU experience shaped Ashton’s debut?