Let's face it, Heath Ledger's Joker isn't going to be topped. But if someone has to try to follow in his Oscar winning footsteps as Batman's arch-nemesis, Hardy's not a bad choice. Anyone who saw his brutal, insane performance in Nicolas Winding Refn's "Bronson" knew he was destined to be a star. His scene-stealing turn in Nolan's "Inception" helped introduce him to a broader audience, and a role in arthouse hit "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy" didn't hurt. But he's still waiting to break big -- the forgettable flop "This Means War" didn't do it -- and playing skull-crushing terrorist Bane could be just the ticket. Assuming audiences understand his dialogue through the permanent gas mask affixed to his face.

- Geoff Berkshire