Filming has officially begun on the Hank Williams biopic I Saw the Light. You know what that means? Lots of pictures of Tom Hiddleston in a 10-gallon hat. Taking on the role of the famous country musician meant that Hiddleston had to take voice and guitar lessons. But most importantly he had to dress the part, crisp suits and fancy hats included.
When Hiddleston was first announced for the role, a lot of people were upset that the part went to someone from Britain instead of an American. Even Hank Williams own grandson was disappointed. (He had wanted Matthew McConaughey to tackle the role.) I disagreed with the doubters because I knew Hiddleston's acting chops were up to snuff. But now having seen him in character and donning period clothing, I know he's going to rock the part. People who only know Hiddleston as Loki will be surprised to see that without the long black wig, the actor actually looks a lot like Hank Williams.
I Saw the Light doesn't come out until 2015, but thanks to some fans taking selfies with the actor, we're able to get a glimpse of how the film is shaping up—and how great Hiddleston looks in a cowboy hat.
THE PHOTO THAT STARTED IT ALL
Hiddleston announced his participation in the film with this dramatic promotional shot.
THE SIDE-BY-SIDE COMPARISON
For all the doubters to see just how much Hiddleston looks like Williams.
POSING WITH THE HAT DESIGNERS
It's thanks to these two men that Tom looks as dapper as he does in those custom fedoras.
ROCKING A BROWN FELT TOP
That hat is snazzy. (And that tie is too!)
IN THE RECORDING STUDIO
Sure, the group is just recording the film's soundtrack. But Hiddleston still wanted to be in character!
SO THAT'S WHAT HAPPENED TO PHARELL'S HAT
I think Hiddleston would win the hat off, hands down.
SPOILER ALERT: HE'S ALWAYS LOOKED GOOD IN HATS
Hiddleston previously donned a hat for his character in The Deep Blue Sea in 2011. He looks great here, so I'm not surprised his cap-wearing has only gotten better with age. I can't wait to watch him in all his cowboy hat glory when I Saw the Light is finally released. If nothing else, it's worth going just to see all the glorious felt toppers.
Images: Devon Patton, Richard Bennett/Facebook; a-song-of-otps/Tumblr
