Tom Hiddleston — a British, classically trained thespian — might seem like the most interesting of choices to playing an American country music icon. But, after seeing I Saw the Light, The Movie Mensch has to admit there could not have been a better choice to bring the Hank Williams story to life.
Hiddleston is Hank Williams in every way, from his look, his mannerisms, his persona, his prowess and yes, his voice. The Marvel movie star (who will soon be seen in Thor 3) even brilliantly and beautifully sings Williams’ songs on the soundtrack – from Hey Good Lookin’ to Move It On Over to I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry.
We caught up with Hiddleston for an exclusive video interview where the actor took us into the magic of making an icon come to life. He details the painstaking effort to get all the little things right and how they all informed the big things.
I Saw the Light also stars Elizabeth Olsen as Williams’ second wife Audrey (exclusive chat with her coming tomorrow!) and opens in New York, Los Angeles and Nashville this Friday before opening nationwide on April 1.