Tom Hardy: “Band of Brothers” is the perfect role for a first start. I would never have dreamed of such an opportunity. I filmed two episodes at the end of the series. I had never worked on the screen before, I mainly trained in the theater. “Band of Brothers” has not only covered a genuine shooting film but also a big production. Big money was at stake, there were numerous extras, incredible scenery. I felt a great pressure on my shoulders and I knew I had to give the best of myself. I was a little lost but I could not afford to panic. (Laughs) I had to get back on track. It was my job. I was very lucky.

Cine-Files: What did you learn from others about this shoot?

T. Hardy: It was great working environment. I was surrounded by Spielberg, Tom Hanks. All the film actors were great. The film genre was also important. This is a classic history. I liked to address the authenticity of the story, the theme of WWII. It is important for an actor to know to be honest about the film, which gave me some confidence, a goal. I am proud to have been part of the mini-series. It was an unforgettable experience. I’m still disappointed at not being able to use my weapon on the screen. (Laughs) I always wanted to use a weapon. I was treated to a love scene but I would have preferred to shoot. (Laughs) After this movie, I played in “Black Hawk Down” and I had my revenge. I got a big gun! (Laughs) I love war movies. It may be obvious. I made three, “Band of Brothers,” “Black Hawk Down” and “Deserter.” They are honest films about the war. There is nothing heroic in excess. These are real people, human, immersed in situations where they must do their job and thus behave like a hero. I like those roles. These are not movies “Bruce Willis”. (Laughs) I prefer to deal with multifaceted characters. I could not interpret a teenager whose concerns would be limited to entering the basketball team and win the girl of his dreams.

Cine-Files: Many actors are very excited to play the role of a villain. What can you tell us your interpretation of Shinzon in Star Trek: Nemesis “?

T. Hardy: Yes, it’s great to play such a role! Shinzon is a nasty place that brings together beautifully the spirit of an immoral and somewhat whimsical aspect of Star Trek. Shinzon is an abused child. It also has the same blood as Picard. He had a miserable life, he suffered harm, physical abuse, fear has taken control of his life. It’s fun to interpret a villain who has nothing to lose, which is capable of anything. I also found it very motivating to play a villain who raises the question of why he became who he is and what drove him to do so.

Cine-Files: What was your biggest challenge on the film wearing the costume or makeup Shinzon?

T. Hardy: Both! (Laughs) I did some beautiful falls during filming! (Laughs) When I was wearing my lenses, I was completely blind. It was a little like having glasses of milk on the eyes. I hurt Patrick (ed: Stewart) in the chest with my knife because I saw nothing. I hardly saw anything of the last sets of the film. In a sense, it was rewarding to play my character seeing nothing. I was trapped in my head as I arrived and easier to ignore the camera, etc.. It helped me develop Shinzon, to return to his skin.

Cine-Files: Do you think “Nemesis” will be the final film in the series “Star Trek”?

T. Hardy: I do not know. This may be the last film for “The Next Generation” but there are still Deep Space Nine, Voyager and Enterprise. I do not think that Star Trek will stop anytime soon. The fans in the thousands. They need to be fed their daily dose. It’s a zoo. Animals need to eat. I do not think I will be part of a new film unless they need a young Picard. This may be the end of “The Next Generation” but not Star Trek. Who knows? That’s life! The series was remarkable in its time.