Get a First Look at Hank Williams Biopic ‘I Saw the Light’ [Exclusive Pictures]

The much-heralded Hank Williams biopic, I Saw the Light, won't be in theaters until November, but Taste of Country readers are getting an early look at the film via these exclusive stills from the production.

I Saw the Light stars British actor Tom Hiddleston as the late, great singer-songwriter. Written and directed by Marc Abraham, the film documents Williams’ journey to fame, his battle with drug abuse and the country legend’s untimely death on New Year’s Day in 1953.

The film is based on the 1994 Williams biography by Colin Escott, George Merritt and William MacEwen. Elizabeth Olsen stars alongside Hiddleston as Williams' wife, Audrey. Bradley Whitford also stars as music publisher and songwriter Fred Rose, Davis Krumholz plays New York journalist James Dolan and Cherry Jones portrays Williams’ mother, Lillie Skipper. Rodney Crowell served as the musical director for the movie.

I Saw the Light premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September, and there's been a buzz building around Hiddleston for his spot-on portrayal of the troubled Williams, who became one of the most influential singer-songwriters of all time before his death at the age of 29. The photos above show Hiddleston performing onstage as Williams, at his home, walking down the steps with his guitar case, and at his wedding.

The film is set to open in theaters on Nov. 27. Take a look at a clip from I Saw the Light here.

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