Tom Hardy is one of Britain’s most rugged and beloved stars. Known for grunting his way through a Peaky Blinders brawl or going toe-to-toe with symbiotic aliens in Venom, you’d be forgiven for thinking there’s no role too big - or too beautiful - for the actor to take on.
But apparently, that’s not how everyone sees it.
In an exclusive sit-down with VT, Hardy shared a number of eye-opening revelations about his celebrated career.
And no, these bombshells weren't scooped by red carpet journalists or investigative reporters, they came from a squad of retired and adorable homicide police dogs.
In what might be the most wholesome interview of the year, Hardy sat down with three retired police pups – Neo, Bear, and Gilly – as part of a heart-melting collaboration with the Thin Blue Paw Foundation to promote his new Netflix movie Havoc. And while the mere sight of Hardy playing with three dogs is enough to delight viewers, it was Hardy’s brutally honest story about missing out on a classic British role that really got people talking.
Watch the full interview below:When asked (via his canine companions) about a rumored audition for the role of Mr Darcy in Pride and Prejudice, Hardy shut it down with a laugh.
“No, I didn’t actually get an audition. I was told categorically that - by a lovely producer -that all women have an image or a vision of what Mr. Darcy looks like, and I’m afraid Tom, you just aren’t it," Hardy revealed, before quipping: "That’s showbiz."
Yep. According to Hardy, a producer straight-up told him that women just wouldn’t fancy him in the iconic heartthrob role made famous by Colin Firth’s dripping-wet shirt moment.
It’s a shocker – especially coming from a man who was once named the UK's sexiest by countless publications. And let's not forget the groundbreaking popularity of his CBeebies’ Bedtime Stories appearance, during which, parents of children everywhere were captivated by his charm while reading There’s a Tiger in the Garden.
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But Hardy, ever the class act, took it in stride, offering a laugh and a shrug to the Darcy snub.
And if you think Hardy let the rejection get to him, think again. Over the course of the interview, he proved why he's still top dog in Hollywood. Joking with the pups, dishing on his Venom and Legend roles - which he described as "pure joy to play" - and talking candidly about pride, purpose, and the fact he doesn’t do parties.
Hardy's humility was on full display when Bear – a dog who once helped save the life of a vulnerable man in crisis – asked Hardy about the proudest moment of his career.
"Do you know what? That's an interesting one. I don't really know about pride, mate. I don't really know how I feel about that. It's very different to the job that you do," Hardy said. "I just pull faces. So... and I wear tights, makeup.
"I suppose having something of a discipline is something to be proud of. I think I'm proud I have a career, maybe, sometimes."
The interview also saw Hardy reveal his go-to cheat snack as the iconic Haribo rings, his dream of being a secret Wu-Tang Clan member, and that the actor he wants to work with most is Josh Brolin. (Brolin, if you’re reading this, get your agents to call each other. It's the collab we all deserve.)
But still, the Mr Darcy snub stings, with one viewer commenting: "I would very much love to see Tom as Mr. Darcy."
Another gushed: "Tom Hardy can be Mr. Darcy any day of the week! Plus, he loves dogs. Simply perfect!"
Imagine a world where Tom Hardy donned a cravat, brooded by a lake, and gave us his best: “You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.” We were robbed.