Star Trek Host: Tom is on the phone with us from Berlin.

Q: First, let me congratulate you on your performance in "Nemesis" — truly one of the most memorable villains. Were you ever a fan of Star Trek before you were asked to play in this role? How did you like working with the cast of TNG?
sjonus

Tom Hardy: No, I wasn't a fan, but I knew of Star Trek — everybody grows up with it. I was very young when Kirk and Spock were on, but obviously I knew who they were — everybody does — and when The Next Generation came, I was a little older, out and about doing what 15-year-olds do. I knew who Patrick Stewart was, but I wasn't a regular viewer. But I was pretty aware of Star Trek.

I didn't really work a lot with the cast. I worked with Patrick maybe seven days during the 12 weeks I was there. They were very welcoming. Obviously they're a family, which was lovely — they made me feel very welcome. I enjoyed it immensely. But I spent most of my time with Ron Perlman, whom I love dearly as a friend and an actor, which can also be said of Patrick Stewart, who was awesome and taught me a lot.

Q: Did you watch any of the earlier TNG movies and episodes for research on how to act like Picard?
dssignationlocutus

TH: Of course I did. First and foremost, Paramount gave me vast amounts of material to study Picard. I watched ? I believe "Insurrection" back to "The Wrath of Khan," just to get into the entire world of Star Trek. But I realized after analysis that I wasn't going to play a third-rate impression of Picard, which would have been a mockery. The film is called "Nemesis," we're supposed to be completely different, but I wouldn't have been able to assess that without watching an awful lot of material, all of which I thoroughly enjoyed.

Q: Can you tell us about the scar on your lip?
cassiopia

TH: Ah! That scar was, I believe, made of collodian. It's like a glue stuck to my lip, then the pieces of skin are pinched together, forming a scar. I think my lips are slightly bigger than Patrick's, so they tried to make them look slightly beaten.

Q: Are you now planning to visit conventions?
caro

TH: Oh absolutely! As of when, I'm not sure.

Q: Who are a few of your favorite jazz and rap artists?
tiffany6

TH: (laughs) Well, I go to Ronny Scott's, a jazz bar in London, in Soho, and I listen to whoever's playing. Also, there's a bar called the Blues Bar on Kingly Street in Soho where anybody can play, as well as the classics. As for rap stars, most anything from New York: Big Punisher, Fat Joe, Redman — I love Redman — Wu Tang Clan. Loads of it, lots and lots, as long as it's good. I find all the promoting of violence and sex incredibly dull. If it's cerebral and makes good use of assonance and alliteration, then it's all right with me. And it has to be powerful, as music should be.

Q: What was your reaction when you knew that you are going to play Shinzon?
caro

TH: My God! I was doing six back flips down the corridor, grabbed my wife, cuddled her and stopped and suddenly realized that I'd have to put my money where my mouth is. Great elation followed by great shock. Terrified!

Q: How long have you been married? I saw your wife's picture at the premiere, she is beautiful.
dax1947

TH: I will be married four years this January the 2nd.

Q: Will you be visiting the U.K. for the "Nemesis" premiere?
designationlocutus

TH: We have just done the "Nemesis" premiere last night. And what a thoroughly enjoyable experience that was. And an even more agreeable party.

Q: What do you think about being called one of Star Trek's sexiest villains?
papu66

TH: (laughs) I don't know, that's really nice. Thank you. I haven't given it much thought, actually. Feels good!

Q: What other projects do you have on the horizon?
thepyronmenace

TH: I've just finished a horror movie called "LD 50," which stands for "Lethal Dose 50 Percent," directed by Simon De Selva and starring Katharine Towne, Melanie Brown (the Spice Girl), produced by Four Horseman Films. But I should like to do some theatre next with swords, or perhaps a tuxedo. And then maybe I would like to get back to some villainy.

Q: How old are you?
marinasirtisfan

TH: I'm 25 on September 15. I was born in 1977.

Q: Do you have a Web site or fan club?
thebiglurker

TH: I do. There's a lady called Dannie, who's created a wonderful Web site. It's: tomhardyrealm.tripod.com.

Q: Mr. Hardy, was your outfit as Praetor Shinzon as heavy and uncomfortable as it looked? Did you have input into costume design?
deabella

TH: Yes! I had little input as to the design — Bob is a genius in what he does. It was incredibly uncomfortable. And it looked fantastic. That's Bob Ringwood.

Star Trek Host: Tom has to run, this will be our last question.

Q: Mr. Hardy, what are you going to do for Christmas?
mikejmoe

TH: I think I'll just sit with my dog, Max, and cook. And my wife! And my cats.

Star Trek Host: Please thank Tom for joining us today!

TH: Thanks a lot for supporting me, and I look forward to meeting you all in time.

Thanks for chatting! Greetings from Germany!
caro

Thank you for chatting with us Mr. Hardy!
marinasirtisfan

Thank you, Mr. Hardy. Great performance.
deabella

Thank you, Tom, it was most enjoyable! Don't let them mess with your lips too much.
cassiopia

Brilliant performance as Shinzon!
thebiglurker