Hardy bulks up for next Batman instalment

Tom Hardy has made a "massive" physical transformation to star in 'The Dark Knight Rises'

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The Warrior actor - who is set to portray Bane in the movie - has bulked up for the motion picture, according to producer Emma Thomas.

She said: "Tom made a massive physical transformation for the role... It really is an intense performance."

"He finally feels like a match for Batman - both physically and mentally."

As well as being a good match between Bane and Batman - who is played by Christian Bale - Emma admitted the 34-year-old star and Christian are "fiercely committed" which makes their onscreen rivalry work perfectly.

She added to Total Film magazine: "Christian Bale and Tom Hardy are both such fiercely committed actors that pitching them as adversaries works incredibly well - they have such a great chemistry on camera."

Anne Hathaway is set to take up the role of Catwoman in the motion picture, and Emma promises the brunette beauty's character will come with a few surprises.

She explained: "It's completely new, and it's a really interesting role. You never quite know where you are with her."