Tom Hardy is unrecognizable as Al Capone in first 'Fonzo' reveal

Tom Hardy is giving Robert De Niro a run for his money as the new cinematic face of Al Capone.

For 1987’s The Untouchables, De Niro gained weight, wore a padded bodysuit, and fashioned his hair to give himself a more rounded appearance to play the notorious Chicago gangster. Now it’s Hardy’s turn to lose himself in the role.

Tom Hardy plays Al Capone in the upcoming <em>Fonzo</em>. (Photo: Mike Marsland/WireImage)
Tom Hardy plays Al Capone in the upcoming Fonzo. (Photo: Mike Marsland/WireImage)

The British actor — regarded as a master of disguise thanks to his roles in Peaky Blinders and The Dark Knight Rises — is unrecognizable in a new film still released by Fonzo writer and director Josh Trank.

Fonzo — which also stars Linda Cardellini, Matt Dillon, and Kyle MacLachlan — is a biopic focusing on the end of Capone’s life, when he was weakened by dementia and a lengthy prison sentence.

It’s the first official look at the transformed Hardy, though paparazzi shots from the film’s New Orleans set have previously surfaced. The 40-year-old star has also shared photos of himself looking heavy and balding, with Capone’s famous scars.

Chasing Fonzo…🔥🙏🌅🇺🇸🌠🌠🌠🌠😇😇😇😇

A post shared by Tom Hardy (@tomhardy) on Mar 24, 2018 at 10:55am PDT

It’s not just a physical makeover; according to a new interview with Esquire, Hardy developed one of his signature vocal tics for the character. The result: Bugs Bunny “with a severe case of vocal fry,” interviewer Eric Sullivan reports.

No release date has been set for the film, though it’s expected to hit screens in 2019.

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