10 Comic Book Movie Villains Who Were Universally Loved

6. Tom Hardy's Bane

Tom Hardy's Bane was somewhat different to the version we're all familiar with from the comics, but it was one of those refreshing moments when different actually meant better in terms of the way the character was portrayed in live action. It was a dominating performance, some of which was improvised brilliantly, of a well-organised and strategic villain much different to the chaotic and maniacal Joker in the movie that came before him. Hardy's size was already well on the way to being Bane-esq before he bulked up for the role and the voice he created for the role - modelled on bare-knuckle boxing champion Bartley Gorman - added something very chilling to the portrayal. The Dark Knight Rises explored how Batman responded to fear and being scared and Tom Hardy's Bane was suitably terrifying and formidable in order to make the caped crusader's terror plausible and realistic. It really was a unique portrayal by Hardy who, despite being masked, still managed to put on a real performance.