Tom Hardy as Bane in The Dark Knight Rises

The expected performance of Nolan's new and final villain has been hotly debated following the death of Heath Ledger after his Oscar-winning performance as the Joker in the second film of Nolan's saga. Many were afraid with the announcement of Bane as Batman's new rival that whoever was cast wouldn't live up to Ledger's legacy. With Hardy's long list of, quite frankly, murderous and psychotic roles under his belt, many are anticipating his portrayal of Bane to be a worthy opponent.

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