When

Tom Hardy couldn’t sprout an extra three inches for his role of Bane in the new film The Dark Knight Rises, costume designers had to step in – literally.

The Dark Knight Rises and so does Tom Hardy in his modified shoes

Changing your appearance for a film role is all in a day’s work for an actor, but Tom Hardy recently discovered there are some things hours at the gym can’t change.

The 5’9 actor was easily able to boost his bulk to 200 lbs to play meaty villain Bane, but when studio bosses wanted him to be able to look the Caped Crusader in the eyes, a special pair of shoes were needed.



He is now striding around the set wearing a specially made set of shoes with an inbuilt three inch lift.


This is so he can see eye-to-eye with co-stars Christian Bale and Morgan Freeman , who each tower above six foot.

He is also using a special voicebox which is designed to make him sound more sinister.

However, on set sources claim that sound technicians have been joking around and making him sound more like the fourth member of cartoon band The Chipmunks.

Tom’s character Bane is one of Batman’s most powerful enemies, and an integral part to the final installment of the Dark Knight saga.

It is not the first time the British actor has worked with director Christopher Nolan, who previously directed him in Inception.

The new film, due for release in July next year, also sees Anne Hathaway make her debut as Catwoman.