Tom Hiddleston is no stranger to stepping out of his comfort zone, but his latest musical role might just be one of his most unexpected yet.
The 44-year-old actor, best known for his dramatic and action-heavy roles, has embraced a very different kind of performance in The Life of Chuck, which features several dance sequences.
In the film, adapted from Stephen King’s novella, Hiddleston plays Charles Krantz, a man whose life is shown in three acts, each leading up to his death, which coincides with the end of the world. Unlike most King adaptations, this story is more uplifting and intimate, and Hiddleston’s performance brings a surprising sense of joy, especially in the dance scenes.
Talking to The Hollywood Reporter, Hiddleston admitted the dance routines took real effort. “I’ve never danced quite like this before and I had some steps to dance, some miles to go before I felt skilled enough and practiced enough to pull off some of the techniques and styles that Chuck pulls off.”
He went on to share his long-standing admiration for musicals. “I have a great affection for movie musicals,” he said. “I was thinking about Swing Time, Singin’ in the Rain, Cover Girl, but also Dirty Dancing, The Mask, 500 Days of Summer, and even Little Miss Sunshine. Dance is just in the DNA of movies.”
When asked if he’d be interested in starring in a full-blown musical, his answer was clear: “No one’s knocking on the door yet but I’m always open.”
Director Mike Flanagan said it wasn’t Hiddleston’s dance skills that landed him the role, but the sheer joy on his face during a late-night talk show appearance where he danced. “He was channeling this incredible happiness. I said, ‘That is exactly what this movie needs,’ and he’s perfect in it.”
Karen Gillan, who stars alongside Hiddleston, already knew he had rhythm. But his work in The Life of Chuck still surprised her. “I was blown away by what he did in this film. His footwork was a whole other level.”
The film is a departure from King’s usual horror fare, but for Flanagan, it’s still true to the author’s spirit. “I think Steve, kind of at his heart, he’s an optimistic humanist. Even in the darker stories, that’s always there for him. This feels more Stephen King to me than a departure, this is who he really is.”
So, could we see Tom Hiddleston leading a musical on the big screen soon? If Hollywood’s listening, he’s more than ready to lace up those dance shoes again.
