Exclusive: Patrick Stewart Reveals Shocking Insights on Tom Hardy's Troubled Journey Filming Star Trek: Nemesis

Summary

Patrick Stewart thought Tom Hardy was an odd and solitary presence on the set of Star Trek: Nemesis, and didn't think he fit in with the rest of the cast.

Despite the initial disappointment of Star Trek: Nemesis, Tom Hardy has since emerged as a highly esteemed and accomplished actor, with notable roles in movies such as Inception and The Dark Knight Rises.

Patrick Stewart, despite his earlier doubts, now recognizes and appreciates Tom Hardy's undeniable talent and triumphs following their collaboration on Star Trek: Nemesis.

Patrick Stewart has shared his thoughts on working with Tom Hardy, whom he described as "peculiar" and preferring to keep to himself on the set of Star Trek: Nemesis. In the final installment of the Star Trek: The Next Generation movie series, Hardy portrayed the menacing Shinzon, a clone of Captain Jean-Luc Picard, yet the film failed to impress both critics and fans alike. Despite this, Hardy's presence had a lasting impact on Stewart, as he later returned to reprise his role as Admiral Jean-Luc Picard in the successful TV series Star Trek: Picard, almost 20 years after the disappointment of Nemesis. Recently, an excerpt from Patrick Stewart's autobiography, "Making It So: A Memoir," was published by Insider, where he honestly shared his experience of collaborating with Tom Hardy during the production of Star Trek: Nemesis, a film that brought an end to the Star Trek: The Next Generation movie saga. Read the extract below:

According to Stewart, the movie 'Nemesis,' released in 2002, was especially lackluster. He claims there was not a single thrilling scene for him to perform, and the actor playing the antagonist, Shinzon, was an unusual and reclusive individual named Tom Hardy from London. Stewart further mentions that Tom showed no interest in establishing social connections with anyone on set, as he never uttered greetings or bid farewell. Instead, Tom would spend his idle hours in his trailer with his girlfriend.

"He wasn't necessarily unfriendly, but it was difficult to form a connection with him," stated the actor from "X-Men."

"Once Tom finished his part that evening, he departed in his usual manner, without any fanfare or pleasantries, just walking out the door," Stewart recalls. "As the door closed, I whispered to Brent and Jonathan, 'And there goes someone who I doubt we will ever hear from again.' It brings me great joy to see how mistaken I was about Tom."

Tom Hardy's Evil Picard Clone Shinzon In Star Trek: Nemesis Explained

In an effort to match the intense rivalry between Captain James T. Kirk and Khan Noonien Singh in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, Star Trek: Nemesis introduced Tom Hardy as Shinzon, a villain meant to challenge Captain Picard. Shinzon, a clone of Picard, was abandoned by the Romulans on the moon of Remus until he rallied the Remans and overthrew the Romulan government. However, his ultimate goal was to destroy Picard and the United Federation of Planets. Since his demise in Star Trek: Nemesis, Shinzon has not been mentioned in any other Star Trek TV show or movie.

Although Star Trek: Nemesis was not successful and even Patrick Stewart believed that Tom Hardy's character would be forgotten, Hardy's career flourished. With notable roles in films like Inception, Mad Max: Fury Road, and The Dark Knight Rises, Hardy became a respected and sought-after actor. Despite being considered an outsider by Patrick Stewart, Hardy's talent allowed him to overcome his role in Star Trek: Nemesis, which was considered a disappointment in the franchise.

"Making It So: A Memoir" by Patrick Stewart is available in bookstores now.

Source: Insider