'X Men: Apocalypse' Movie Cast: Tom Hardy to Play Villain, Apocalypse?

Batman's adversary, Bane. might become the X-Men's dreaded enemy next.

In a report by ComingSoon.net, Tom Hardy, who played the supervillain, Bane, in "The Dark Knight Rises", is rumored to take on the role of the indomitable Apocalypse in the upcoming Marvel movie "X-Men: Apocalypse" by Bryan Singer.

Related to talks about the "Doctor Strange" casting at Marvel, Hardy is reportedly being "courted" to star in "X-Men: Apocalypse". It was confirmed that he will not be in "Doctor Strange" but will most likely be appearing in "Suicide Squad" at Warner Bros. and the latest X-Men installment, if the rumors are true and Hardy agrees.

An insider said in a report by ComicBook.com, "Tom Hardy was once rumored to be in contention for Doctor Strange, though he has recently been courted for WB's Suicide Squad and the title role in X-Men: Apocalypse, so don't expect to see him join the MCU anytime soon."

Based on an article by Cinema Blend, Hardy would be quite fitting as Apocalypse, considering how he was excellent in portraying the evil Bane in the Batman series and has the dedication in changing his body as required in his film roles. Hardy's latest film "Mad Max: Fury Road" will be showing in 2015, with him taking on the starring role of Mad Max. He put on tens of pounds of muscle for "The Dark Knight Rises" and "Warrior", so it would not be surprising if he makes some physical tweaks needed to transform into Apocalypse. Hardy also has the ability to show wit in his character to adequately face-off against articulate mutant enemies.

In the comic books, Apocalypse is a powerful mutant, with some believing that he is the very first mutant on earth, whose origin is said to date back thousands of years ago in ancient Egypt. He is described as giant-sized with very high intelligence. In a previous X-Men film, "X-Men: Days of Future Past", Apocalypse was briefly presented, giving fans the idea that he is bound to face the mutant team in the future.

Singer will be directing the movie while Simon Kinberg, Michael Dogherty and Dan Harris will be working on the script.

Singer directed and produced several "X-Men" films, including the first installment in 2000. Harris and Dougherty previously wrote "X2: X-Men United".

'"X-Men: Apocalypse" is set to launch on May 27, 2016, and hopefully, Hardy will be featured as the ancient mutant arch-nemesis.