Tom Hiddleston, a versatile British actor, is widely recognized for his captivating work in both theater and on screen. His charismatic portrayal of Loki in the Marvel Cinematic Universe has garnered a devoted fan base. Hiddleston’s remarkable talent and unwavering commitment have earned him critical acclaim across various mediums, including film and theater.
That said, auditions are really important for actors. It’s a moment where their talent, preparation, and a bit of luck come together. Sometimes, unknown actors get big roles and become famous. But there are also stories of missed chances that could have changed an actor’s career. Tom Hiddleston has one of these stories.
Tom Hiddleston Lost A Role In Pirates Of The Caribbean
Two actors were vying for the same role, yet Tom Hiddleston’s actions the night before the audition might have significantly swayed the decision in Orlando Bloom’s favor. The role under consideration was for Will Turner in Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. It’s intriguing to imagine that the dashing and occasionally vexing character often linked with Bloom might have been portrayed by Hiddleston. In the revealing documentary Muse of Fire, where several renowned actors share their experiences with Shakespearean roles, Hiddleston shared an interesting story.
Receiving the script only the night before the audition, he made a rather questionable choice to head out for a few drinks with his friends instead.
Hiddleston said (via Farout):
“The next day, I walked in at 10am, very hungover, hadn’t learnt it and did it a couple of times, and the casting director was like: ‘Uh-huh, okay, okay. Well, thanks for coming in.'”
Undoubtedly, this wasn’t the lasting impression he intended to leave, and it’s no surprise that he didn’t receive a callback for a second round of auditions. When it comes to missed opportunities, losing a job because of a few too many beers must have been especially difficult to accept.
Loki Became Tom Hiddleston’s Most Iconic Role
For over a decade, Tom Hiddleston has portrayed Loki in various MCU productions. He frequently discusses how this role transformed his life, catapulting him into the spotlight. He also emphasizes his approach to keep the character fresh and vibrant by uncovering new dimensions with each portrayal.
He told Variety:
“Loki’s changed so much over the years for me. I was cast when I was 29, and I’m 41. Initially, with the wigs and the costume, I was always trying to break out of the mask, let something honest come through. By the time we got to the series, Loki’s stripped of all the things that are familiar. Immediately, he’s literally stripped and put in a jumpsuit, and his status is gone. Everyone knows who the character is now. Let’s open him up and find new aspects of him and challenge the character to change and grow.”
Viewers can anticipate Hiddleston’s comeback as Loki when the second season of the series premieres on Disney+ starting October 5, 2023.
Pirates of the Caribbean series can also be streamed on Disney+.
