Mark Kennedy This image released by HBO shows Tom Riley in a scene from "The Nevers." (HBO via AP) April 09, 2021 - 9:38 AM NEW YORK - Robert Pattinson â that A-list international heartthrob â may owe a little thanks to rising star Tom Riley. It was Riley who replaced Pattinson at the last minute in a 2005 stage production of âThe Woman Beforeâ at London's Royal Court Theatre. The change was made so late that programs and announcements to the press had been made before the switch. âBy the time the reviews came out, they were saying lovely things about newcomer Robert Pattinson,â says the British actor. âBut it was me.â