It's not an official photo of Tom Hardy as Bane, but the first shot of the "Inception" actor on the set of "The Dark Knight Rises" appears to have found its way online, courtesy of a fan.
Earlier this morning, Twitter user Ash Harper posted a photo of himself with Hardy, captioned, "Me and Tom Hardy (Bane) on set on the new Batman film!" And while a fan photo generally doesn't qualify as headline-grabbing material, the photo is worth a peek for anyone wondering about the visual element of Christopher Nolan's take on Bane.
The photo shows a clearly bulked-up Hardy with a shaved head — eerily reminiscent of his turn as the terrifying, real-life criminal Charles Bronson in "Bronson" (minus the mustache).

Ever since Hardy was first confirmed for the role of Bane, there's been no shortage of speculation regarding the character's portrayal in the Nolan-verse Batman films.
No one expected the character to resemble the oafish, campy brute that appeared in 1997's "Batman & Robin," but whether he'll look anything like his comics counterpart remains the big question. Given this shot of Hardy, it looks like fans can rest a little easier, as it appears that he's certainly getting in shape — and shaved — for a comics-faithful take on the role.

"(...) Tom Hardy is gonna be great too [as Batman nemesis Bane]. He's a tough British actor."

Warner Bros. Pictures announced today that Anne Hathaway has been cast as Selina Kyle in Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight Rises.” She will be starring alongside Christian Bale, who returns in the title role of Bruce Wayne/Batman.
Christopher Nolan stated, “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Anne Hathaway, who will be a fantastic addition to our ensemble as we complete our story.”
In addition, Tom Hardy has been set to play Bane. Nolan said, “I am delighted to be working with Tom again and excited to watch him bring to life our new interpretation of one of Batman’s most formidable enemies.”
Nolan will direct the film from a screenplay he wrote with Jonathan Nolan, from a story by Christopher Nolan and David S. Goyer. Nolan will also produce the film with his longtime producing partner, Emma Thomas, and Charles Roven.
“The Dark Knight Rises” is slated for release on July 20, 2012. The film will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

TDKR: Tom Hardy Goes Bald, Possible Confirmation Of Edward Nashton

Tom Hardy has been snapped with a significantly shorter new hairstyle, and we have a cryptic news paper clipping by a Mr Edward Nashton!..

This will be a fairly speculative article so don't expect any definitive news updates. Anyway, first up..



Tom Hardy there. Even though he is wearing a cap we can see he is sporting a shaved head as well as some burgeoning facial hair. Coincidence or could he be gearing up to portray Dr Hugo Strange? There are other characters he could be prepping for of course. 

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The Dark Knight Rises script, Tom Hardy's new look?

Another story that’s been making the rounds today relate to the photos above of Tom Hardy. Hardy was photographed Sunday with what appears to be a beard and shaved head. This has lead to speculation that Hardy is already preparing for his role in The Dark Knight Rises, Hugo Strange perhaps? While it’s certainly possible, I wouldn’t jump to conclusions just yet. Tom Hardy is scheduled to film The Wettest County in the World before he shows up in Gotham City. I did a bit of digging and I’m not entirely sure if Hardy is completely bald under that hat. Photos of Hardy at a Lakers game last Friday are after the break. Does his hair look shorter in the photos above? Take a look and judge for yourself.

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A local news station caught up with Tom Hardy on the set of his new movie Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy which is currently filming in Istanbul. Rumors have been flying online as to who Hardy will be playing in The Dark Knight Rises, and when asked, Hardy explained that he doesn’t even know yet. Hardy also says that he’s excited to work with Christian Bale. Bale has stated in an interview that he’s equally as excited to work with Hardy.