Tom Hardy Reflects on His Physical Toll After Years of Action Roles

In a candid recent interview with Esquire U.K., actor Tom Hardy opened up about the physical challenges he has faced throughout his illustrious career. Known for his intense portrayals in high-octane roles such as Bane in The Dark Knight Rises and Max Rockatansky in Mad Max: Fury Road, Hardy revealed that his body is “past the point of healing” after years of action-packed scenes and rigorous martial arts training.

A Life of Action Takes Its Toll

“I’ve had two knee surgeries now, my disc’s herniated in my back, I’ve got sciatica as well,” Hardy confessed. Adding to his list of ailments, he noted bouts of plantar fasciitis and a tendon injury in his hip. “It’s like, it’s all falling to bits now, and it’s not going to get better,” he expressed with a mix of humor and resignation—a testament to the sacrifices actors often make for their art.

Hardy’s filmography boasts a staggering array of physically demanding roles, including those in The Revenant, Warrior, and the Venom trilogy. These performances not only demonstrate his acting range but also highlight the wear and tear on his body that comes with being at the forefront of action filmmaking.

New Ventures on the Horizon

Despite his physical challenges, Hardy continues to work steadily in the industry. He currently stars alongside Pierce Brosnan and Helen Mirren in the Paramount+ crime series MobLand. He also leads the action thriller Havoc, directed by Gareth Evans, which started streaming on Netflix at the end of April.

This year marked a significant shift in Hardy’s career, as he stepped back from his role as Venom after the release of Venom: The Last Dance in 2025, a film that saw a successful global box office take of $478 million. Hardy has expressed immense joy in portraying Eddie Brock, saying, “I loved playing Eddie in Venom. Juggling chainsaws… Put me on a unicycle and throw everything at me!”

The Crossover That Almost Was

Hardy has actively sought a crossover between his character, Venom, and Tom Holland’s Spider-Man, an ambition he discussed candidly on The Discourse Podcast. He stated that he “got as close” as possible to making the Marvel crossover happen before negotiations ultimately fell apart.

There remains a palpable yearning from Hardy’s side to bridge the worlds of Sony’s Venom and Disney’s Marvel. “We’d love to cross over! That’s not happened. That’s what happens,” he noted with a sense of longing, emphasizing the complexities behind franchise film rights and collaborations.

Read Hardy’s full interview with Esquire U.K. to gain deeper insights into his reflections on his career, physical challenges, and dreams for future crossover films.

Looking Ahead

Tom Hardy’s journey is a powerful reminder of the physical demands that come with being a seasoned action star. As he continues to navigate through health challenges associated with his roles, audiences eagerly await what he will bring to the screen next. While his Marvel days may be behind him for now, fans can rest assured that Hardy’s commitment to his craft will keep him in the spotlight for years to come.

As Hardy himself puts it, “Until those bridges are crossed… That’s way beyond my control.” Whether he returns to the superhero genre or pursues new creative avenues, one thing is certain: the legacy he is building will endure long after his time in the action spotlight has ended.