In his career, English actor Tom Hiddleston has played a military captain (War Horse), a king (Henry V), and even a god (Loki in the Thor and Avengers series). Now, Hiddleston will get his chance to play a bona fide country legend as he has been cast as iconic crooner Hank Williams in a forthcoming biopic.
As Exclaim points out, I Saw The Light is an adaptation of Colin Escott’s 1994 book Hank Williams: The Biography. According to sources, the film will trace “Williams’ short, tumultuous life”, beginning with his early years in Alabama, on to his abrupt rise to fame, and ending with his sudden death at 29 from heart failure. The film will have access to Williams’ back catalog, which includes hits like “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” and “Hey Good Lookin’”.
Marc Abraham, who adapted the screenplay, will also serve as the director, with production handled by Bron Studios and RatPac Entertainment. Abraham is a producer most well known for a slew of action movies, like the 2004 remake of Dawn of the Dead, Air Force One, and the RZA-helmed The Man with the Iron Fists. Production on the film is set to begin in Louisiana later this fall.
Below, enjoy Williams’ classic “Your Cheatin’ Heart”. Then, watch Hiddleston show off his own pipes by crooning “Stand by Me”.
