Batman film adds ‘Inception’ star

Tom Hardy as Eames in Warner Bros. Pictures' and Legendary Pictures' sci-fi action movie "Inception." (Warner Bros.)

Tom Hardy, best known for dreaming big in “Inception,” will be a major character in the third Batman film, which begins filming early next year, according to a source close to the production.

Will he be friend or foe to Christian Bale’s grim caped crusader? That’s not clear yet, although he might make an offbeat and darkly charismatic version of the Riddler or perhaps a smirking take on Black Mask, the crime boss with an ebony, statue-like visage.

Hardy, who had memorable turns in “Bronson” and “RocknRolla,” was hardly a surprise addition; director Christopher Nolan frequently goes with familiar faces — “Inception” had three key actors from Batman films, with Cillian Murphy, Michael Caine and Ken Watanabe.

Nolan is scheduled to appear Saturday at the Scream Awards taping at the Greek Theatre. That show airs Tuesday on Spike TV.

– Geoff Boucher

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