Tom Hardy has cleared up the rumour that he auditioned for Pride & Prejudice.

The Dark Knight Rises and Venom trilogy actor has long been rumoured to have been one of the favourites to play Mr Darcy in the 2005 film version of Jane Austen’s literary classic, opposite Keira Knightley.

While on the promotional trial for new Netflix film Havoc, Hardy sat down with VT, the charity Thin Blue Paw, and some absolutely adorable retired police dogs and cleared up the showbiz myth once and for all.

“I didn’t actually get an audition,” he revealed. “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.”

“That’s showbiz,” he added with a devilish laugh.

tom hardy, havoc

Netflix

Related: Best streaming services in 2025

The role in that version obviously went to Matthew Macfadyen, who actually admitted last year that he himself “felt a bit miscast” as Mr Darcy.

“I feel bad saying that,” he said. “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.”

keira knightley, matthew macfadyen, pride and prejudice

StudioCanal

Related: Why Tom Hardy’s Netflix thriller Havoc is set in the US despite being filmed in Wales

Back in the present day, Hardy’s new film Havoc has just dropped on Netflix (ending spoilers here) and we really liked it.

“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‘s review reads. “It loses none of its brilliance on the small screen though.”

Havoc is available now on Netflix, as is the 2005 Pride & Prejudice.

Digital Spy’s first print magazine is here! Buy British Comedy Legends in newsagents or online now, priced at £7.99.

Deals that might interest youShop Sky TV, broadband and mobile dealsShop Sky TV, broadband and mobile dealsStranger Things Hellfire Club Dice Dangle CharmStranger Things Hellfire Club Dice Dangle CharmCredit: PandoraShop Claudia Winkleman's Traitors looksShop Claudia Winkleman’s Traitors looksCredit: BBC / Studio LambertOn SaleRichard Osman: We Solve MurdersRichard Osman: We Solve MurdersCredit: VikingShop PS5 consolesShop PS5 consolesCredit: PlayStationShop Alison Hammond's outfitsShop Alison Hammond’s outfitsCredit: Mark BourdillonApple TV+ 7-day free trialApple TV+ 7-day free trialCredit: Apple TV+Sign up for Disney+Sign up for Disney+Credit: Chuck ZlotnickThe Street of Lies: An Official Coronation Street Interactive NovelThe Street of Lies: An Official Coronation Street Interactive NovelCredit: Octopus BooksDeath in Paradise: The Puzzle BookDeath in Paradise: The Puzzle BookCredit: BBC BooksHeadshot of Joe Anderton

Joe Anderton is a freelance news writer at Digital Spy, having worked there since 2016. In his time, he’s covered a host of live events and interviewed celebrities big and small.

A big fan of TV and movies both mainstream and obscure, Joe’s main interest is in video gaming. Although particularly a PlayStation gamer, he plays across Xbox, Nintendo and PC/Steam Deck, and likes to keep tabs on many games he’s not got the time to play.

Joe currently does not use Twitter, but he only ever used it to tell people to watch the film Help! I’m a Fish (which you really should do).