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Tom Hardy reveals reason Pride & Prejudice producer shut down idea of him as Mr Darcy
The 2005 classic could've looked very different...
Kate Green/WireImage
- Katelyn Mensah
Published: Wednesday, 23 April 2025 at 12:16 pm
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It has long been rumoured that Tom Hardy was once in the running to play Mr Darcy in the 2005 adaptation of Pride & Prejudice - but that couldn't be further from the truth.
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In reality, the actor didn't even get an audition for the role, which eventually went to Matthew Macfadyen.
In a recent interview with the Thin Blue Paw Foundation, the Havoc star was asked about the rumoured audition, as he revealed he "didn't actually get an audition".
"I was told categorically 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.' That's showbiz!"
It's been 20 years since Macfadyen and Keira Knightley led the Jane Austen adaptation, with anniversary celebrations taking place this week in cinemas across the country.
Matthew Macfadyen and Keira Knightley in 2005's Pride and Prejudice. Allstar/WORKING TITLE
However, what may come as a surprise to fans is that Macfadyen once thought he was "miscast" as the brooding character.
"I didn't really [enjoy it]," he told CBS Mornings. "I feel bad saying that. There were moments I had a good time, but I wish I enjoyed it more. I wish I was less worried about it."
He explained that he felt he was the wrong choice for the part, adding: "I felt a bit miscast, like, 'I’m not dishy enough.' But it worked out."
Despite this, he added: "The most flattering thing that happens to me now is people say, 'Were you Mr Darcy?' It’s a good 20 years later. So I think, 'I can’t be ageing that badly.'"
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Pride & Prejudice is available to watch on Netflix. Sign up for Netflix from £5.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream.
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Authors
Katelyn MensahSenior Entertainment Writer
Katelyn Mensah is the Senior Entertainment Writer for Radio Times, covering all major entertainment programmes, reality TV shows and the latest hard-hitting documentaries. She previously worked at The Tab, with a focus on reality TV and showbiz news and has obtained a BA (Hons) in Journalism.
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