Move over Leonardo, Tom Hardy is here!

As millions flock to movie theaters to watch the sci-fi action thriller Inception, many movie-goers probably find themselves wondering who the dashing British actor is who plays the character of Eames. The name of this particular rising star is Tom Hardy. The 33-year-old London-born player has gradually been building an impressive reputation around Tinseltown and is on the verge of breaking out to become Hollywood’s next big leading man.

After studying drama in London, Hardy got his first big break in the acclaimed HBO/BBC miniseries Band of Brothers in 2001. The actor went on to work in various feature films like Black Hawk Down with Ewan McGregor, Star Trek: Nemesis opposite Sir Patrick Stewart, and most recently Inception alongside Leonardo DiCaprio.

Hardy is currently preparing to replace seemingly bi-polar Aussie Mel Gibson as the lead character of Max in the upcoming installment of the post-apocalyptic Mad Max franchise, Mad Max: Fury Road. South African actress Charlize Theron is rumored to be Hardy’s co-star in the film, which is slated for a 2012 release.

Maybe it’s about time Leo, and Mel for that matter, pack their bags and move to Shutter Island… eh Tom?