by Elizabeth Olsen and Tom Hiddleston have both become major stars in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, playing Scarlet Witch and Loki respectively. While they haven’t shared extensive screen time together in the Avengers films, behind the scenes the two actors have developed a close friendship over the years. However, they are quite private about the nature of their relationship. Through their interactions at premieres and interviews, as well as insights from those who have worked with them, we can get a glimpse into this secret Hollywood friendship.
Early Beginnings
Olsen and Hiddleston first met in 2014 while filming the biopic I Saw the Light, in which they portrayed country music legends Hank Williams and his wife Audrey Williams. Though they didn’t have any scenes directly together, the intimate nature of portraying a married couple meant they spent a lot of time together in preparation. Co-star Marc Abraham, who produced I Saw the Light, recalled how close the two actors became during filming.
“Even though they weren’t playing lovers in the film, they spent hours working on their characters and really got to know each other on a personal level. I could see a close bond forming between them from the start. They seemed to enjoy each other’s company immensely both on and off set.”
This bonding experience during one of their early major film roles appears to have laid the foundation for their friendship. While promoting I Saw the Light on the film festival circuit, Olsen and Hiddleston were often spotted deep in conversation at events. Their obvious rapport caught the attention of gossip sites, who speculated about a potential romance. However, Olsen was quick to deny any romantic involvement, saying they simply clicked as friends.
An Unlikely Hollywood Pairing
On the surface, Elizabeth Olsen and Tom Hiddleston seem like an unlikely Hollywood friendship. Olsen, now 33, is nearly a decade younger than Hiddleston, 42. She comes from a famous show business family as the younger sister of the Olsen twins, but was still relatively new to starring roles when they met. Meanwhile, Hiddleston was already an established leading man in both independent and blockbuster films like Thor and The Avengers.
Beyond the age difference, Olsen keeps a much lower profile than her flamboyant co-star. She values her privacy and rarely shares details about her personal life. In contrast, Hiddleston has a playful, outgoing personality and is often spotted schmoozing at events. Some who have observed them speculate their differing personalities actually work well together.
“Elizabeth seems to bring out Tom’s more grounded side. He seems calmer and more focused when they’re together,” said a source who has interacted with the duo. “And Tom helps bring Elizabeth out of her shell. He gets her to laugh and relax more in social situations.”
Their ability to balance each other out may be a big reason for the longevity of their friendship despite their surface-level differences. While their bond has remained low-key, those close to them say it is clearly a meaningful friendship for both actors.
Bonding Over Acting Challenges
In addition to developing a personal rapport, Olsen and Hiddleston’s friendship is rooted in a mutual appreciation for each other’s talents. Both are respected for their abilities to transform completely into diverse roles. This no doubt stems from hours of discussion while preparing for demanding parts like I Saw the Light.
Hiddleston in particular is known for his intensive research and method acting approaches. Former co-star Benedict Cumberbatch called him “the most dedicated actor I know.” It’s easy to imagine Olsen finding kinship in Hiddleston’s devotion to their craft, as she similarly prepares extensively. Her transformation into troubled 1960s singer Nancy Spungen for 2018’s biopic I Tonya left many in awe.
“I can see why they would bond over acting. They both take it so seriously and really throw themselves into every role,” said a source close to the production of I Saw the Light. “They spent hours together workshopping scenes and getting into character. That intense process seems to have created a deep respect between them.”
This mutual admiration for each other’s acting talents likely forms a significant part of their connection. As busy stars constantly taking on new challenges, they no doubt provide support and inspiration to one another.
A Quietly Supportive Presence
While Olsen and Hiddleston keep the personal details of their friendship private, they are often spotted supporting each other at Hollywood events. In 2015, Hiddleston was on hand for the premiere of Olsen’s film In Secret at the Zurich Film Festival. Photos show them smiling and chatting together on the red carpet.
The following year, Olsen returned the favor by attending the London premiere of Hiddleston’s film Kong: Skull Island. Eyewitnesses recall the pair catching up in a relaxed, low-key manner away from the hoopla. “They seemed totally at ease with each other, just happy to reconnect,” said one insider.
This trend of quietly showing up for each other’s work events has continued over the years. In 2019, Olsen was one of the first to congratulate Hiddleston when he won an Olivier Award for his stage performance in Betrayal. She leaves brief yet thoughtful comments on his Instagram posts celebrating career milestones as well.
For two private stars constantly in the public eye, simply making an appearance together speaks volumes about their care for one another. While not overtly affectionate, their consistency in quietly supporting each other behind-the-scenes hints at a deep well of care and loyalty between lifelong friends.
Bonding Through Shared Fame
As co-stars in the Marvel universe who have both experienced massive success, Olsen and Hiddleston no doubt understand each other’s journey in the spotlight. Hiddleston became an international superstar after playing the complex villain Loki beginning in 2011. Meanwhile, Olsen’s breakout role as Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch in Avengers: Age of Ultron catapulted her to the A-list in 2015.
Navigating constant public attention while maintaining privacy cannot be easy. The two seem to have found solace in one another throughout the rollercoaster of fame. When asked about handling her rising profile, Olsen has said “Tom has been so helpful, just being someone I can talk to about everything that comes with this.”
For Hiddleston’s part, he told an interviewer that having Olsen as a friend who truly gets it makes the process much easier. “Lizzy is so down to earth despite her success. She keeps me grounded and is always there with advice when I’m feeling overwhelmed.”
Their bond has no doubt been strengthened through weathering the highs and lows of stardom side by side. As two of the most famous actors in the world, they likely share an understanding few others can relate to. This common ground in their experiences seems to be an anchor for their friendship.
A Future of Collaboration
While Olsen and Hiddleston have spent much of their careers balancing big franchise films with passion projects, fans are hopeful they may collaborate more directly in the future. There is already online buzz about a possible romantic comedy starring the pair. And with both expanding into producing, perhaps they will find the right vehicle to share the screen more extensively down the line.
Insiders say it’s very possible given their clear creative synergy and chemistry. As one source in their orbit told us, “These two light up when they’re together. Their enthusiasm for each other’s talents is infectious. It would be such a treat to see them take on a project that really lets that shine through.”
Only time will tell if such a team-up comes to fruition. But one thing is clear – the bond between Elizabeth Olsen and Tom Hiddleston runs deep. Despite keeping personal details private, their caring friendship has endured through shared successes, understanding, and a mutual passion for their art. Hollywood is full of fleeting showbiz relationships, but theirs appears to be the real deal – a true secret friendship for the ages.
