Tom Hardy has finally set the record straight regarding the long-standing rumor that he auditioned for the role of Mr. Darcy in the 2005 film Pride & Prejudice.
Speaking during his promotional tour for the new Netflix film Havoc, the actor, known for his roles in The Dark Knight Rises and the Venom trilogy, addressed the persistent myth that he was once a top contender for the iconic role opposite Keira Knightley.
“I didn’t actually get an audition,” Hardy revealed with a smile. “I was told categorically – by a lovely producer – that all women have an image or vision of what Mr. Darcy looks like, and I’m afraid, Tom, you just aren’t it.”
He added with a laugh, “That’s showbiz!”
The role of Mr. Darcy ultimately went to Matthew Macfadyen, who, in an interview last year, admitted to feeling “a bit miscast” in the part. “I feel bad saying that,” Macfadyen confessed. “There were moments I had a good time, but I wish I enjoyed it more. I wish I was less worried about it. I felt a bit miscast, like, ‘I’m not dishy enough.’ But it worked out.”
While Hardy’s name may never have been in the running, his star continues to shine. His latest film, Havoc, just dropped on Netflix and has been praised for its intense action and dynamic choreography.
“Full of visual flair, brutal choreography, and a healthy splash of blood, it’s an action tour de force that you’ll want to have watched on the big screen,” Digital Spy wrote in their review. “It loses none of its brilliance on the small screen though.”
For fans of Pride & Prejudice, the 2005 film remains available for streaming, while Hardy’s Havoc is now available on Netflix.