In a recent podcast episode, it was revealed that Jonathan Nolan, co-writer and producer of The Dark Knight trilogy, initially had reservations about Bane being the primary villain in The Dark Knight Rises. Nolan expressed a preference for the Riddler to take on the role, citing concerns about avoiding comparisons to Heath Ledger's iconic portrayal of the Joker in The Dark Knight.
Nolan explained that the idea of Bane emerged from discussions with fellow writer David Goyer and director Christopher Nolan. Despite his initial uncertainty, Jonathan Nolan recognized the need for a significant departure from the previous film's tone and themes. He contemplated the Riddler as a potential antagonist but ultimately felt it was too similar to the Joker's character.
The decision to feature Bane as the antagonist in The Dark Knight Rises was also influenced by a desire to explore a different genre within the Batman universe. Jonathan Nolan envisioned the film as a post-apocalyptic narrative, challenging the notion of Gotham City always being saved by Batman.
Interestingly, there were suggestions from Warner Bros. executives, including one proposing Leonardo DiCaprio for the role of the Riddler. However, the creative team, led by Christopher Nolan, emphasized the importance of developing the story organically and thematically before selecting the villain.
In the end, Tom Hardy portrayed Bane in The Dark Knight Rises, opposite Christian Bale's portrayal of Bruce Wayne/Batman. The film marked a departure from the urban crime genre of its predecessor, offering a unique post-apocalyptic take on the Batman mythos.
