(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Christopher Nolan is an "enigmatic genius", says Tom Hardy.

Tom is Bane in the highly-anticipated The Dark Knight Rises, which is being helmed by Christopher.

It's due out next year and the director has worked hard to ensure the plot remains a secret. Tom understands that can be frustrating for fans of the Batman franchise but is confident Christopher knows what he's doing.

"Chris Nolan is amazing. How he releases his films, he's a very enigmatic human being. It's genius, what he does, and I just trust him and how he slowly feeds what he's about to do to the world," he told MTV News.

Anne Hathaway is Catwoman in the picture, while Christian Bale reprises his role as Bruce Wayne/ Batman. Images of Anne in character were released recently. She is seen in a skin-tight black catsuit, with a mask over her face and riding a motorbike.

Tom admits seeing the pictures, calling them "nice". He's also witnessed Anne's highly-anticipated costume close up, but refused to be drawn on the subject.

"I've seen it, obviously. I've seen it up front," he said. "I think everything Chris Nolan and every person at Warner Bros. [does] is amazing."

Tom also heaped praise on those working on his new movie Warrior, singling out the studio releasing the picture. He plays a man who comes home to be trained for a mixed martial arts fight by his alcoholic father.

"I [think] Lionsgate [is amazing ]as well. Funny, isn't it?" he said. "Mercenary of me. Ka-ching!" (C) Cover Media