Tom Hardy doesn't have a whole lot in common with the mask-wearing villain he portrayed in the most recent Batman movie.

That is, unless you ask him cheeky questions about extremely private matters, in which case you will basically find yourself talking to Bane.

One unlucky reporter found this out the hard way at the Toronto International Film Festival this weekend, when he asked Hardy, who is portraying a bisexual gangster in the new film "Legend," about past reports that the actor's own orientation was, quote, "ambiguous."

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Hardy responded incredulously, saying, "What on earth are you on about?"

The reporter replied that he was referring to an interview Hardy did in 2008, in which he appeared to admit to having dabbled outside the bounds of strict heterosexuality (which Hardy has more or less disavowed since then, saying that his words were misrepresented) -- at which point things got very prickly, very fast.

"But what is your question?" Hardy asked.

"I'm wondering if you find it difficult for celebrities to talk about their sexuality," the reporter replied.

In a tone described as "menacing," Hardy then said, "I don't find it difficult for celebrities to talk about their sexuality. Are you asking about my sexuality?"

The reporter stuttered a bit before saying, "Sure," to which Hardy replied, "Why?" -- and then didn't wait for an answer before shutting down the entire line of questioning.

Clearly, Hardy has retained a few lessons on the art of intimidation from his role in "The Dark Knight Rises"; this entire exchange is eerily reminiscent of a certain scene from that movie.

Minus the whole "crushing his face with one hand" bit, obviously. And fortunately.