(Cover) - EN Movies - Tom Hardy finds wearing a mask allows him to act freely.

The 33-year-old British actor portrays Bane in superhero movie The Dark Knight Rises, which is scheduled for release next year and will be the third instalment in Christopher Nolan's take on the Batman superhero franchise.

Tom is thrilled about playing the mask-clad villainous character, as he considers having his face hidden to be an aid.

"Any time you put something over your face, you're going to adopt a personality and a physicality that has nothing to do with acting. It allows a performance to be free," he explained to Total Film.

Tom was first approached about starring in The Dark Knight Rises while shooting romantic comedy This Means War, which is also due for release in 2012. He was over the moon when Christopher told him the only "downside" would be wearing a mask.

"Hang on a minute. You're asking me to come round the world with you in a Batman movie, playing a villain, and the only downside to it is I have to wear a mask? Hmmm, let me think. I'll get back to you No, I'm f**king there, man! Anything you need,'" laughed Tom. (C) Cover Media