For years, fans of ‘Pride & Prejudice‘ have wondered what the film might have looked like if Tom Hardy had played the iconic Mr. Darcy instead of Matthew Macfadyen. The rumor became one of those enduring pieces of casting trivia that never seemed to go away.
Now, as Joe Wright’s beloved adaptation has marked its 20th anniversary, Hardy has finally explained why he never ended up in the role and revealed that he never even got the chance to audition.
Tom Hardy On The Long-Running Mr. Darcy Rumor In ‘Pride & Prejudice’
The biggest period drama phenomenon of the 2000s was undeniably Joe Wright’s adaptation of Jane Austen’s ‘Pride and Prejudice’, starring Keira Knightley as Elizabeth Bennet and Matthew Macfadyen as Mr. Darcy.
Related: Top 10 Jane Austen Movies And Series Adaptations, Ranked
For years, rumors have circulated among Austen fans that Hardy had once been in the running for the roles. In an interview with the Thin Blue Paw Foundation, the actor finally addressed this speculation.
Hardy pointed out, “I didn’t actually get an audition”. Why? Because a producer told him, “All women have an image or a vision of what Mr. Darcy looks like. And I’m afraid, Tom, you just aren’t it.”
The actor later admitted that he tried really hard to fit the trope of a traditional romantic leading man. His strategy was very simple: “I’d worn a blue shirt and jeans and a blue blazer and been doing my best Hugh Grant impression.”
But the casting director clearly couldn’t see Hardy as the quintessential Austen hero. And Hardy just had to accept the rejection. “That’s showbiz!” he stated.
How Hardy Proved His Period Drama Range With ‘Wuthering Heights’
Though ‘Pride & Prejudice’ passed him by in 2005, soon Hardy found another opportunity to prove himself in the world of literary adaptation. In 2009, he landed the lead role of Heathcliff in the adaptation of Charlotte Brontë’s ‘Wuthering Heights’.
In Case You Missed It: 5 Best Movies and Shows About Jane Austen’s Life
It is safe to say that Hardy simply rocked the world with his brooding and intense version of Heathcliff. He truly demonstrated his capability to carry a period drama. Though it is also undeniable that Heathcliff is the complete opposite of Mr. Darcy.
Right after ‘Wuthering Heights’, he transformed into the violent titular character of ‘Bronson’, appeared in Guy Ritchie’s crime caper ‘RocknRolla’, and eventually became a global star through roles such as Bane in ‘The Dark Knight Rises’, Max Rockatansky in ‘Mad Max: Fury Road,’ and Eddie Brock in ‘Venom.’
So, missing out on Mr. Darcy may have felt disappointing, but it was necessary. Because ultimately, Hardy found roles more suited to his unique talents. And today, he stands as one of Hollywood’s most versatile actors of all time.
You Might Also Like To Read: Tom Hardy Thought He’d Crush The Dark Knight Until Christian Bale’s Chilling “I Am Batman” Moment
