Action movies have always given audiences that sweet shot of adrenaline—the stunts, the chaos, the sheer wow factor. But while we were munching popcorn and cheering, the stars behind those jaw-dropping scenes were paying a hidden price. Enter Tom Hardy—Hollywood’s favorite tough guy, from
Bane to Mad Max to Alfie freakin’ Solomons. Now 47, Hardy has peeled back the curtain on how all those hardcore roles took a real toll on his body. Let us just say, the thrill came with a receipt.
Tom Hardy may play unstoppable forces on screen, but off screen, his body tells a different story—he has finally opened up about the brutal wear and tear of action stardom.
Tom Hardy talks health struggles after years of intense action roles
In a candid interview with Esquire UK, Tom Hardy
revealed the physical toll his career has taken on his body. Known for his intense, action-packed roles, Hardy shared that years of grueling stunts, both on screen and in martial arts tournaments, have left him with lasting damage. The actor mentioned enduring two knee surgeries, a herniated disc, sciatica, and other painful ailments. Hardy admitted, “It’s like, it’s all falling to bits now, and it’s not going to get better.”
Tom Hardy said in a recent interview with Esquire U.K. that his body is past the point of healing after a life spent getting beaten up on movie sets and in real life during martial arts tournaments. #TomHardy pic.twitter.com/G2BqSZJyQP
— Harish Chandra (@HarishChan20246) May 13, 2025
Tom Hardy’s latest projects include the Paramount+ crime series MobLand,
alongside Pierce Brosnan and Helen Mirren, and Netflix’s action thriller Havoc.
While Hardy’s Venom days are behind him, he reflected on playing Eddie Brock, describing the role as a chaotic, thrilling challenge. Despite the massive success of his Venom
films, Hardy admitted that crossing into the broader Marvel universe was beyond his control, even if he would love the chance. Hardy also reflected on the potential MCU Spider-Man
crossover.
Tom Hardy, who brought Venom
to life in Sony’s Spider-Man
Universe, previously expressed his desire for a crossover with Spider-Man, and now he has weighed in on the idea of making it happen.
The crossover that could have been: Tom Hardy talks Spider-Man MCU plans
In the same interview with Esquire, Tom Hardy reflected on his time as Eddie Brock in the Venom
trilogy, describing the experience as a thrilling challenge. Although Hardy had fun “juggling chainsaws”
in his role, he acknowledged the absence of Spider-Man and other MCU characters. Despite his uncredited cameo in Spider-Man: No Way Home
, Hardy expressed his desire for a Venom
and Avengers
crossover. He recognized the complexities of Marvel and Sony’s separate universes, but remained hopeful for future collaboration.
Tom Hardy on Tony Todd as Venom
Legend 🔥 pic.twitter.com/67AILhAx1p
— DomTheBomb (@DomTheBombYT) October 26, 2023
With Sony pressing pause on its Spider-Man
Universe, the spotlight now shifted to Spider-Man: Brand New Day
, directed by Destin Daniel Cretton and set to begin filming in mid-2025. Meanwhile, Hardy’s recent Netflix release, Havoc,
failed to make a major splash.
As fans revisit Venom
on Disney+ and Let There Be Carnage
on Starz, Hardy’s absence from the superhero spotlight is felt. Still, his high-octane roles over the years have left a mark on audiences and, more painfully, on his own health.
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What do you think about Tom Hardy’s health update? Let us know in the comments below.