With his stylish suits and perfectly pressed clothes, he is the individual bringing sophistication to spy thrillers on television. Tom Hiddleston, known for his role in The Night Manager, reveals the intense effort put into the second season of the acclaimed BBC1 series, a decade after the original. “We set high standards for ourselves, aiming for a production that is bigger, bolder, and deeper, requiring us to take more risks,” says Tom, aged 44. “Developing six hours of television demands significant dedication and time.”
The outcome is a captivating spy drama following Jonathan Pine, a former soldier turned spy adopting the persona of Alex Goodwin, overseeing a surveillance team monitoring upscale London venues for potential threats. However, he quickly becomes entangled in a dangerous mission in Colombia involving arms and guerrilla training, assuming the identity of Matthew Ellis, a wealthy playboy financier.
Tom, who gained fame for a daring scene in the first series, expresses his attraction to portraying Pine, a character crafted by author John Le Carre, due to the contrast between his exterior and interior. “On the surface, he appears flawless, charming, composed, capable, and serene,” he explains. “Yet, beneath that pristine facade lies a heart ablaze with moral courage, solitude, pain, and trauma. Who wouldn’t want to embody such complexity?”
Referring to the character as deeply ingrained in his mind, Tom delves into Le Carre’s fascination with the masks individuals wear, especially spies who navigate a web of lies to uncover truths, risking their lives with a single misstep. Born in London and educated at Cambridge, Tom, a UNICEF UK ambassador, anticipates a busy year with his upcoming roles in The Night Manager and reprising the role of Loki in Avengers: Doomsday alongside Sir Ian McKellen and Sir Patrick Stewart.
Scheduled for release in December, the Avengers sequel will showcase Tom once again as the mischievous Loki, promising cosmic chaos. Reflecting on his return to the role, Tom hints at surprises in store for the audience, following Loki’s previous appearance on a throne in the storyline’s development.
Apart from his acting pursuits, Tom’s personal life also demands attention as he recently welcomed a second child with his partner, Zawe Ashton. Tom emphasizes the transformative impact of fatherhood on his life, remarking on the significant changes experienced over the past decade, paralleling personal growth with the evolving world landscape.
In addition to his screen achievements, Tom’s passion for acting extends to stage performances and television appearances, cherishing the unique challenges and rewards each medium offers him. A versatile actor with a diverse range of influences, Tom draws inspiration from veteran actors like Jack Nicholson, shaping his own performances with nuanced character portrayals and dedicated storytelling.
Looking ahead, Tom expresses interest in exploring new opportunities, including the possibility of participating in entertainment shows like Strictly or The Traitors, showcasing his admiration for both programs. As he eagerly awaits the next chapter in The Night Manager series, Tom acknowledges the impact of the late John Le Carre’s legacy, fueling his enthusiasm for portraying the enigmatic Jonathan Pine and unraveling the complexities of truth-seeking in a tumultuous world.