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Tom Hardy has revealed that he prefers playing villains.
The 34-year-old, who previously starred in Warrior and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, portrays Batman's new arch-nemesis Bane in Christopher Nolan's final film in the trilogy, The Dark Knight Rises.
"I always enjoy being a bad guy. That way, you get to do more of what you want as opposed to playing the straight guy," he said.
Tom didn't even mind the vice-like metal mask which Bane wears because of injuries he suffered years ago.
"It's just getting used to it, the first couple of days and then once it's on, that's it. It's good fun," he said.
"I didn't feel limited by the mask. What's cool about it is, as soon as you put it on, you become the character. The first time I saw Christian (Bale) in the make-up chair, I arrogantly thought to myself, 'I can handle him'. And then on the set, Batman showed up. It wasn't Christian Bale any more, he absolutely was Batman."
Tom was offered a role in The Dark Knight Rises after impressing director Christopher on Inception - and said yes, despite being kept in the dark about his character.
"Chris wasn't sure I'd be interested because I'd have to wear a mask for several months. He wouldn't tell me anything else about the character, except that he was a very bad guy," he recalls.
"I said, 'Let me get this straight. You want me to come work with you, travel around the world, have a stunt team and all the weapons I could possibly want to play with, and all I have to do is wear a mask? I'm in!'"
:: The Dark Knight Rises is in cinemas now.
