Orlando Bloom took inspiration from David Bowie in latest film

Orlando Bloom has revealed that he was inspired by David Bowie and his rock personas, including Ziggy Stardust, while filming his latest role.

He plays the Duke of Buckingham in the 'Three Musketeers' alongside Matthew McFayden, Milla Jovovich and Logan Lerman, which is released today (12 October).

The British actor told Australia's Daily Telegraph that the cast were told by the director Paul W S Anderson to play their parts as rock stars.

He told the publication: "Buckingham has the swagger of Ziggy Stardust and wears outrageous costumes.

"In my opinion, you have to own those costumes, otherwise they wear you -and then you run the risk of looking like a big tomato."

The 34-year-old is used to wearing unusual costumes in his films as he donned a blonde wig to play the elf Legolas in the 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy. He has reprised this role for 'The Hobbit', which is set for release next year.