Tom Hardy recently shared an awkward encounter he had with Eminem backstage in London, which left him feeling rather embarrassed.
The 47-year-old British actor is currently in the spotlight as he promotes his latest film, Venom: The Last Dance.
This final part of the Venom trilogy, directed by Kelly Marcel, has received mixed reviews from critics.
On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 41 percent rating, while audiences seem more pleased, giving it an 81 percent score on the Popcornmeter.
Prior to the release of Venom: The Last Dance, Hardy discussed his role as Eddie Brock, a former investigative reporter hosting the alien symbiote Venom, on DJ Whoo Kid’s Whoo’s House Podcast.
The conversation soon shifted to Eminem, with Hardy recounting a backstage meeting with the ‘Rap God’.
Eminem, 52, has contributed tracks to the soundtracks of both Venom films.
The song ‘Venom’ is featured in the first movie, while a remixed version and ‘Last One Standing’, with contributions from Polo G, Skylar Grey, and Mozzy, appear in the sequel.
It’s clear that the connection between Hardy, Eminem, and the Venom franchise runs deep.
Hardy recounted his encounter with Eminem before the rapper’s second 2018 concert at Twickenham in London.
“I went to his concert and I felt sorry for him because I got ushered to his dressing room backstage to say hello,” Hardy explained to DJ Whoo Kid, 52.
“And he had to take a photo with me and I felt like a real d**k. He’s nice but he had to go on stage.
“So it’s like he’s prepping to do his job and then some idiot like me comes in and was like, ‘Hey!’ He just deadpanned me.”
Realizing that Eminem was preparing for his performance, Hardy added: “I was like, ‘OK. Now is not the time, we’ll save this for another time.’”
Notably, the Venom connection isn’t the only link between Hardy and Eminem.
According to The Independent, George Miller, the director of Mad Max: Fury Road, initially wanted to cast Eminem as the new Max Rockatansky before offering the role to Hardy.
Miller, known for directing Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga and Three Thousand Years of Longing, reportedly contacted Eminem, but the plans didn’t advance.
Eminem declined the role due to the film’s shooting location in Australia, stating he “didn’t want to leave home” at the time.
He remarked, “I think he had the impression that if he could do it out of his home state, then he’d be up for it.”
Hardy ultimately secured the role over other contenders like Armie Hammer and Marvel’s Jeremy Renner.
Venom: The Last Dance is now playing in theaters.