As the mega villain in "Dark Knight Rises," Tom Hardy puts on both a believable and monumental performance as Bane. However, the now unmasked and bearded actor made a surprising confession to the Press Association in regards to taking on bad guy roles.

"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," Hardy stated.

The English actor shockingly had no qualms about donning the metal mask for the Bane character.

"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.  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."

After working alongside Christopher Nolan in "Inception," the fast rising actor jumped at the chance to reunite with the talented director on "Dark Knight."

"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," Hardy remembers.

"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!'"

"Dark Knight Rises" is currently showing in theaters. 

In other news, Hardy will be playing Max in the upcoming flick "Mad Max: Fury Road," which is slated for a 2013 release.

Tags: Tom Hardy Movies Dark Knight Rises