There's an abundance of exposure when you start working in American films. Inevitably you become a brand and that has to be controlled.

In March 2010 Hardy signed a first look deal at Warner Bros. Hardy studied at Reed's School and Tower House School then at Richmond Drama School and subsequently at the Drama Centre London. Hardy replaced Michael Fassbender in the 2011 adaptation of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy released on 5 September 2011 at the 68th edition of the Mostra Internazionale d'Arte Cinematografica in Venice.

In 2012 he appeared as the villain Bane in Christopher Nolan's film The Dark Knight Rises and as Forrest Bondurant in John Hillcoat's crime thriller film Lawless. Edward Thomas "Tom" Hardy (born 15 September 1977) is an English actor. Some of his most notable film roles include Star Trek: Nemesis RocknRolla Bronson Warrior Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy This Means War The Dark Knight Rises and Inception the critically acclaimed film for which he won the BAFTA Rising Star Award.