Sony Pictures Classics has unveiled the first image from director Marc Abraham’s biopic I Saw the Light. The film tells the story of country music icon Hank Williams, who rose to fame quickly only to reach an untimely death at the age of 29. His marriage to manager and duet partner Audrey Sheppard was turbulent due to Williams’ growing addiction to alcohol, morphine, and other painkillers he was prescribed for issues arising from spina bifida. They eventually divorced, and Williams went on to strike up a brief relationship with a woman named Billie Jean (which resulted in another child) before his death.

This is a curious role for Hiddleston, especially because the Thor actor will be doing all of his own singing in the film. While most probably know Hiddleston from his work in the Marvel universe, he’s done stellar supporting work in films like Midnight in Paris and War Horse, and his starring turn opposite Tilda Swinton in the vampire drama Only Lovers Left Alive is transfixing. He’s a highly talented actor, and with another challenging role in Guillermo del Toro’s upcoming Crimson Peak, I look forward to seeing him stretch his talents outside the superhero genre.

For now, take a look at Hiddleston channeling Williams (and looking dashing, as always) in the first I Saw the Light image below, via the folks at Sony Pictures Classics. The film is slated for release on November 27th and also stars Bradley Whitford, David Krumholtz, Maddie Hasson, and Cherry Jones.


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Image via Sony Pictures Classics