When Tom Hardy steps onto a film set, there's always a tale to tell.
We all recall the intense clash he had with Charlize Theron in Mad Max: Fury Road.
For an actor known for his tough guy portrayals, bruises and wounds seem to be part of the job.
A similar scenario unfolded during his role as Tom Conlon in Gavin O'Connor's Warrior (2011).
In Warrior, Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton portrayed estranged brothers navigating through a mixed martial arts tournament.
The storyline demanded the actors engage in on-screen fights, leading to both Hardy and Edgerton sustaining injuries.
From torn ligaments to fractured bones, the duo endured physical strains to deliver authentic performances for their audience.
During an interview with Den of Geek in 2011, Joel Edgerton shared insights into the pain they endured while filming Warrior.
Edgerton recounted tearing his MCL ligament, enduring a grade three tear that required six weeks of rehabilitation.
He also mentioned receiving occasional blows to the face and elbows, highlighting the physical toll every actor faced during production.
Tom Hardy humorously added that the intense fighting left little room for acting, as his co-star constantly landed hits on him.
Hardy expressed his frustration, jokingly mentioning that he wanted to act but was repeatedly interrupted by his co-star's punches.
He reminisced about the director's reminder that it was an MMA movie, urging them to toughen up despite the discomfort.
In an Interview magazine feature, Hardy reflected on his own injuries sustained during filming, including broken ribs, a foot fracture, torn ligaments in his hand, and enduring substantial beatings.
Despite the challenges, both actors were aware of the demands of their roles.
They acknowledged receiving clear directives from director Gavin O'Connor regarding expectations and the physical demands of the shoot.
Hardy disclosed the grueling training regimen he underwent to prepare for his role in Warrior.
In addition to conventional training, he engaged in sessions with professional martial artists such as Nate Marquardt, Anthony Rumble Johnson, and Yves Edwards.
Describing the intensive seven-day-a-week training, Hardy emphasized the rigorous preparation required for the film, surpassing even his experience in the gritty crime drama Bronson.
When Hardy commits to a role, he dedicates himself entirely.
His dedication to authenticity and performance shines through, showcasing his unwavering commitment to delivering compelling characters.
Whether enduring physical hardships or pushing boundaries in training, Hardy's passion for his craft is evident, resonating with audiences worldwide.
For those eager to witness Hardy's transformative performance in Warrior, the film is available for viewing on PlutoTV or Tubi TV.