Photo of Tom Hiddleston as Hank Williams in ‘I Saw the Light’ Biopic Revealed

It may be an unpopular choice with his grandson, but Hank Williams’ unlikely doppelganger seems to be pulling it off in the first promotional photo for the new biopic about the legend’s life, ‘I Saw the Light.’ British actor Tom Hiddleston was selected for the role, which Williams III was not so keen on, but the actor definitely looks the part, which is half the battle. Now, audiences will decide if he can act it.

The promo shot is a recreation of a photo taken of Williams around 1945, wearing a signature cowboy hat and suit that Hiddleston’s portrayal matches very closely. Of course, Hiddleston’s photo is in color, which adds variation, but overall the actor’s expression and wardrobe give a very similar look.

“Hank’s life has a tragic arc, but in simple truth, he was a genius: a star that burned twice as bright and lived half as long,” Hiddleston tells the Daily Mail. “It’s a huge role for me and a huge responsibility. I’m going to give it everything I’ve got.”

The movie is based on the biography of Williams written by Colin Escott, and is set to release Nov. 27. It also stars Elizabeth Olsen as Williams’ first wife, Audrey Mae, Bradley Whitford, Cherry Jones and Maddie Hasson. It’s directed by Marc Abraham and the musical director is Rodney Crowell, who has defended the casting of Hiddleston as the Southern icon.

“I’m as respectful of the man’s work ethic as I’m mystified by his transformational skills,” Crowell says of Hiddleston on his Facebook page. “Without a doubt, the filmmakers chose the right actor for the job.”

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