New photo of Bane from 'The Dark Knight Rises', reveals why he wears the mask

The Dark Knight Rises kicks off with the question "why does he wear the mask?" and now thanks to a short article in Rolling Stone magazine, we have an answer! Here's a quote straight from the mouth of director Christopher Nolan:

Bane is someone ravaged by pain from a trauma suffered long ago, and the mask dispenses a type of anesthetic that keeps his pain just below the threshold so he can function.

Update: Some fans have pointed out that costume designer Lindy Hemming revealed similar news back in the November issue of Empire magazine:

He was injured early in his story. Hes suffering from pain and he needs gas to survive. He cannot survive the pain without the mask. The pipes from the mask go back along his jawline and feed into the thing at the back where there are two canisters of what ever it is…the anesthetic.

What do you think of this alternative to the typical "Bane venom" we're familiar with from the comics? Let me know in the comments, and check out the full photo from Rolling Stone in the gallery below.

VIEW MORE PHOTOS IN THE GALLERY

SOURCE: Rolling Stone [via GOFOBO]

191 comments

Monkeyking1369

May 17, 2012

Not happy with that. I want BANE!!!! not Bane.

thefallen83
May 17, 2012
If by Bane all in caps you mean the monster from the comics, then... stick to the comics... -__-
1. Tyranus27
  May 17, 2012
  Or Batman and Robin
2. Kane52630
  May 17, 2012
  What a ludicrous statement. lol
  1. shadypotential
    May 17, 2012
    not really. read the comics
Appelt Kevin
May 21, 2012
Agreed, bane is to small and about the same size as batman. Major problem, this film will not equal or succeed the dark knight. So far I see no venom that pumps bane up. The reason the dark knight was good is that they nailed all the characters. I don't get that from rises
1. Mr. Wayne
  June 23, 2012
  Nope Nope Nope. every single character in the Nolan films has been different than their character origins. People were pitching a fit about the Joker wearing face paint instead of falling in acid before TDK, and we all know how that movie turned out.

Eric Dallaire

May 17, 2012

The movie gonna be good but not ''as'' bane suppose to be. So a lot of fan gonna bedisappointed.

Daniel
May 17, 2012
Even though this Bane is different, the essence of the character overall will remain unbroken.
1. Roaring Remik
  May 17, 2012
  Unlike Batman's spine...
  WHOOPS DID I SAY THAT OUT LOUD
  1. Fbgg
    July 3, 2012
    ur a dick
  2. Raven Karlin
    July 31, 2012
    It's not like a major spoiler, anyone who read the comics knows that he breaks batmans spine.

Ryan Elliott

May 17, 2012

Well, that certainly is a thing.

Elpaisito89

May 17, 2012

This is good. I love the fact that Nolan decided to make things more realistic when he decided to make these movies. Very nice move.

thefallen83
May 17, 2012
And think about it... no venom but... what if he cranks up the anesthetic? no pain? unstoppable? think of the movie "Unbreakable" hmmm..
1. Oniawa
  May 18, 2012
  I think you've pretty much cracked what the venom means in this film, it's pretty much gonna have the same idea behind it, a unstoppable man who can't feel pain and opens up a serious can of whoop ass. Sounds fucking awesome x
  1. thefallen83
    May 18, 2012
    Yeah... for example in The Girl Who Played With Fire, the main character Lisbeth Salander has a brother (big guy with white hair) he suffers from a condition in which his nerves don't work, hence he feels no pain.
  2. Appelt Kevin
    May 21, 2012
    I disagree, WHERE IS VENOM????? No venom that makes him big. That completely changes the dynamic of the character. U might as well call tom hardy calendar man or black mask. Hardy would of been a better fit for black mask.
2. QueenChaos
  May 18, 2012
  Yesssssss... It's an intriguing concept, to me.
  1. One-Eye
    May 18, 2012
    Indeed! I like that!
    1. thefallen83
      May 18, 2012
      Thanks hehe... Although some people around here call me troll, moron, whining bitch, etc just because I have a dry sense of humor... -_-

thefallen83

May 17, 2012

Venom that makes Bane a giant monster + Nolan's version of Batman = total disaster mixed with some ridiculous... fanboys chill... it aint gonna happen... you can be dissapointed from now and not watch the movie, cuz either way you'll ALWAYS bitch & moan... :)

Jb 24249 2009
May 18, 2012
Shut up troll..
1. thefallen83
  May 18, 2012
  Wow... deep... amuse me with more...

Theiokersmiles13

May 17, 2012

Didn't Linda Hemming mention this in the Empire magazine awhile back?

BatmanNewsChris
May 17, 2012
Yup! Completely forgot about that interview. I've updated this article with Hemming's quote.
1. Thejokersmiles13
  May 18, 2012
  I do like that photo posted from Rolling Stone with the analysis on his attire. Is that an actual photo or a Hot Toys sculpture? cuz it kinda looks like a sculputre in which case looks remarkable.
  1. BatmanNewsChris
    May 18, 2012
    It's an actual photo of Tom Hardy.
    1. Thejokersmiles13
      May 18, 2012
      Well then it's a pretty gnarly photo of him.
KennethKaniff
May 17, 2012
Yeah, she mentioned that the mask provides Bane with an anesthetic.

Rob White

May 17, 2012

Kinda like it, only I think it would be better if the anesthetic's side-effect were to make him exceptionally strong and violently unstable when in full flow of combat.

I don't buy it that this is a "full description" of why he wears the mask, though. I think it's way more nuanced than just "oh, it's anesthetic".

Drew Wood

May 17, 2012

CRAP!

Saiyanprince139

May 17, 2012

I love that some people are pissing cuz "it's not the true BANE". What did you expect from the Nolanverse, Bane inhaling steroids? That could kill him. This idea works and I'm totally on board. And this is coming from a hardcore Bat-fan who follows the comics and past franchise (even the horrific Batman & Robin). Besides, Nolan and Hardy clearly clarified that Bane is going to be a wrecking machine born to mercilessly destroy. Did some of you forget that? People will never be happy. July 20th must arrive faster!

TMC23457
May 17, 2012
i totally agree with you i have been reading the comics my whole life too and Bane from the comics would not fit into Nolan's version at all...He has given us 2 great movies so people have to cut him some slack already and stop complaining about Bane it's going to be an amazing movie
1. Jarod
  May 17, 2012
  I always thought Bane from the comics was quite lame, immature and cartoonish. I really love what I've seen of Nolan's interpretation, revolutionary slash dictator, with an intense force of will and fanaticism that lives with high levels of pain. I can see why baddies would follow this guy, can't wait!
  1. Thejokersmiles13
    May 17, 2012
    I love Bane from the comics, if anything all the other interpretations of Bane have been lame and cartoonish (B&R, the animated series, the video games, etc. they have all painted a not so bright picture of him. The only knock I have against him in the comics is the fact there would instances where you saw him without the mask whereas Nolan gives his mask a purpose and meaning.
    1. Jarod
      May 18, 2012
      I have to admit I don't know Bane in a *lot* of the comics, I really wasn't a fan of Knightfall when it started coming out - I re-read it recently and preferred it much more for Batman's story, not Banes. I also read the graphic novel of Bane's background which is the best I've seen him portrayed. Maybe the part that gets me is he's supposed to be a tactical/strategic genius as well, but I haven't been convinced he's much more than just a brute - which is where I'm loving what we've seen of Nolan's so far, he's got a plan and on a mission!
    2. Thejokersmiles13
      May 18, 2012
      Well for me in Knightfall he does come across as a stragetic mastermind and just a brutal dude, I just think that like all comics not just Batman, there are always gonna be different interpretations of heroes and villains. Some stories will represent them perfectly and how we all envisioned them to be and then some stories will be weak and the characters will come across as one note sideshows. That's just the liberty that the writers and artists have when it comes to graphic novels and comic books. They can get away with it because they're books and novels, plausibility or logic doesn't have to exist. I like Bane in the comics and like you am loving what I've seen from Nolan and Hardy.
Delirium0733
May 17, 2012
You know that people will ALWAYS complain, way before the movie hits theaters. They might now be a little dissapointed or crying like dumbasses. At the end of theh day, they'll watch the movie and they'll be IMPRESSED by Bane. Oh, and last but not least... CATWOMAN will be another fist in the face to all the doubters out there.
TDKR
May 17, 2012
I bet if Nolan got the so called "true Bane", people will bitch that it's unrealistic and doesn't fit his universe.

you don't know me

May 17, 2012

This is a little disappointing, here I was thinking the mask was distributing an aerosol version of the "venom" that partly made BANE the iconic character he is. On that note though I am still going to reserve full judgement until I have seen this in all of its IMAX glory. I trust Nolan and Hardy will still portray this character amazingly, and it is an interesting twist on the original character.

thefallen83
May 17, 2012
Apparently they dropped you at birth...
1. thefallen83
  May 18, 2012
  It's called humor. Google it.
Delirium0733
May 17, 2012
Dude, he wasn't gonna make a version of Bane that wouldn't be realistic. The venom works for the comics, but not for Nolan's Batman franchise. The essence of the character is not missing, What matters here is how deadly and monstrous BANE will be, which we're pretty sure it will be extremely killer.
Rpotter1000
May 17, 2012
I have no idea why people are jumping on your comment. It's perfectly reasonable. I too would like the mask to deliver some sort of concoction besides just anaesthetic, but I also, like you, am not flipping out about it, and I'm totally open to whatever they are doing with the character. I'm sure Nolan/Hardy's Bane will be awesome. I already love what I've seen and heard of him.

Decrepidactyl

May 17, 2012

http://www.youtube.com/watc...

QueenChaos
May 18, 2012
=D
Nikkisixx986
May 18, 2012
lol..well played sir..lmao

The_Bane_man

May 17, 2012

bane is a guy in pain, that makes the character so much more interesting

ProgressiveDog

May 17, 2012

"Bane is someone ravaged by pain from a trauma suffered long ago"

Sounds just like Bruce.

Fairdy Sukirno
May 17, 2012
A very good point. I think that's one of the interesting element of this last installment. Bruce and Bane got a lot of things in common. He's like the uber-anti-Batman. I can't wait for what Nolan has in stored for us...
BatmanNewsChris
May 17, 2012
But Bruce's pain was emotional. I think Bane's pain is physical.
1. Jarod
  May 17, 2012
  I get the impression there's going to be a very strong duality theme here Bruce v Bane... they are almost the same, yet the differences in their experiences and personalities puts them on the two different paths of Good v Evil.
  Awesome :)
  1. SomeAsianDude
    May 20, 2012
    Are you sure its that cut and dry? I would only assume that Bane is a multidimensional character with layers of personality that would blur the line between what we will ultimately consider is good and evil. Of all the main villains in this series, Ras, Joker, and now Bane, they all have their own idea of what is good for humanity. A world restored to harmony, a world without rules... and I wonder what Bane's idea of good is. Hmm.
2. Kevinbayze
  May 18, 2012
  Bruce's emotional pain is what drives him to be batman which causes him physical pain. Bane of course has physical pain but if he has the same back story he's got plenty of emotional pain from being sent to prison for his father. Bane is what Batman would be if he killed and couldn't control the anger, kinda like Red Hood. Comic reference!
3. ProgressiveDog
  May 18, 2012
  True, but their pain is a big part of what's driving them. Bale said that the theme of the movie is pain. How much can Bruce let pain define his life. Bane seems to a kind of mirror to Batman, a figure who's let pain turn him into a monster and now one who inflicts pain. This is the anti-Batman.
Guest
May 18, 2012
And they both put on masks to deal with that pain.
1. SomeAsianDude
  May 20, 2012
  Good point. One puts on the mask to let his pain out while the other puts on the mask to suppress it. Interesting dynamic.

TDKR

May 17, 2012

His height doesn't matter. Hardy is freakin' ripped.

Victor Fries

May 17, 2012

"...and the mask dispenses a type of anesthetic that keeps his pain just below the threshold so he can function."

Gee I wonder how Batman is going to take him out now.

Nik
May 18, 2012
Remember Achilles’ heel? Cut the pipes and Batman can take him down.
SomeAsianDude
May 20, 2012
Take off his mask?

Bazinga

May 17, 2012

Ok boys and girls. Enough whining over the departure from Bane's comic book existence. Scarecrow is not like the comic book portrayal. Joker wasn't much like the comic book representation either. Those characters turned out just fine. These characters are not meant to be exact verbatim copies from the comics. They're inspirations. Some are more directly proportionate than others, but the fact remains. They're merely inspirations.

Producers tried staying true to the comics in the past. They've tried staying true to the cartoons too, but it has met with sheer failure (I'm looking at you Batman and Robin). Fans weren't happy with the goofy looking Bane grunting in a Mexican wrestling luchador costume...and now they're not happy with a more realistic one.
Never happy! :( give your heads a shake and wait to see the actual movie.

Runtermaster

May 17, 2012

I always thought the bane of the comics was kinda lame. The only thing Batman needed to do to defeat him was to cut his venom supply. This is even worse... he cannot function without that thing.
He is pretty much a cripple with an agenda, right? That is even lamer, I believe. As if achilles had his heel on the mouth, where most of the blows land during a fight . Sheeezzz...

In Nolan I trust, but I sincerely hope this thing doesn't suckitate.

shadypotential

May 17, 2012

In Nolan We Trust!!!!

Brad Hominem

May 17, 2012

Bane's gettin' high on his own supply!

SomeAsianDude
May 20, 2012
And they say the fear toxin was unrealistic...

Jsutton140

May 17, 2012

I absolutely hate it when people change stuff from original to their way, I'll be mad if this stuff doesn't make bane stronger also -_-

thefallen83
May 18, 2012
I hate how the Joker was wearing make up and making up stories about his past [insert sarcasm here] ¬¬
1. Phoneo Nemo
  May 18, 2012
  But he DID wear make-up in Lee Bermejo's Joker. And he did have multiple backstories in The Killing Joke. And he did cut people with knives in Grant Morrison's Arkham Asylum. And he does not fear death, like in The Long Halloween. Heath's Joker was a mash up of the darker and more realistic qualities of the best superhero villain ever. I just hope that Bane gets the same treatment.
  1. thefallen83
    May 19, 2012
    Good point(s)
One-Eye
May 18, 2012
So, just don't go to see this movie and go back to your comics.

Lapsruckus

May 17, 2012

Not really a cop-out considering Bane from the comics kicked the venom after the Knigtfall story arc.

Loozers22

May 17, 2012

A rain in Spain is caused by pain from Bane.

Thejokersmiles13

May 17, 2012

Agreed

Anthony Koter Aravena

May 17, 2012

Bane is supposed to be deadly powerful physically and with a very sharp brain. Just because he doesn't look "big" and muscular like the Hulk, doesn't mean he ain't strong. Sure, I think that Hardy could have done a better effort to put on more size but at the end of the day, a big muscular guy is only esthetical with no impact on the movie as a whole. If you guys want cool looking heros and villans, don't worry fanboys, the Avengers and the Amazing Spider-man are there to satisfy your unrealistic, nerdy needs. :-)

MikeTMan
May 19, 2012
Woah, woah. Just because someone likes something unrealistic doesn't mean that they are a nerd.
1. SomeAsianDude
  May 20, 2012
  Why is being a nerd head such a negativity?

Emailtre

May 17, 2012

My brother is 6'8. Tall people are not unrealistic. They are tall.

Phskeithatkinson

May 17, 2012

To all who are questioning the changes made to Chris Nolan's Bane and whether or not he uses Venom, just think back a second, Heath Ledger's Joker never fell into a vat of chemicals, and look at how brilliant that turned out!! smh at the fanboys...

TheEncore
May 18, 2012
And Dent didn't have acid thrown on him by Falcone, I love this "revolutionary version" especially the Tale of Two Cities Reference, this movie seems to have some class warfare themes
1. SomeAsianDude
  May 20, 2012
  Which is so relevant in today's political and economic situation. Its these things alone that makes this Batman series transcend other superhero movies.

bruendog

May 18, 2012

I want them to do some GCN news cast previews like they did on the Dark Knight Blu ray disc

SomeAsianDude
May 20, 2012
Agreed, I love those. It gives you a perspective from Gotham's citizens and how they see their city in comparison to how us, the audience views it.

Mgd4444

May 18, 2012

Did anyone honestly think Nolan would use Venom? I mean, really? He didn't want to use THE PENGUIN because he didn't think he was realistic enough, but you thought he'd use a super strength serum?

If the anesthetic is called Venom, will that make people happy?

Clem
May 18, 2012
What's wrong with an experimental form of highly addictive steroids that enhance pain tolerance also. It doesn't have to be like B&R to stay true to the comics.
And I am not complaining about the Nolan Bane, I like what I have seen so far and it is what I guessed it would be. I just don't get how steroids of some kind are "unrealistic". I think some of the people calling the comic Bane a "monster" haven't read the comics and are going on the B&R version or the Arkham game version. He was never a "hulk" in the original comics. He was an already strong, muscly guy who enhanced his strength with Venom. He didn't "hulk out" from what I can recall.
1. Clem
  May 18, 2012
  And before someone posts old cover art, some of the cover art of the original comics give the impression that he was Hulk sized, but the stories themselves didn't look like that. If Hardy was a little taller than the Batman costume he would look more like the original Bane. He wasn't that huge.
  1. Clem
    May 18, 2012
    These are the best pics I could find to remind people of how Bane looked in the first comics.
    http://tinyurl.com/bwn325a http://tinyurl.com/cfrqu62

Ryan

May 18, 2012

Has anyone read Knight fall? Bane was originally smart as Batman, he alone figured out Bruce Wayne is Batman. He was never a mumbling fool....Perma-white folks = Venom wannabe folks.

thefallen83
May 19, 2012
Don't use those words over here son. Fanboys rage and call you mean names xD

Billyman Gilson

May 18, 2012

People say he's not Bane because he doesn't have the venom. They said
the same about The Joker not being "permaclown"...as long as the
character is done right, I don't mind the aesthetic changes.

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New photo of Bane from 'The Dark Knight Rises', reveals why he wears the mask

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