Tom Hardy to Play Kray Twins

Tom Hardy could be set to play both of the legendary East End gangsters the Kray twins in the upcoming movie Legend.

It's already been confirmed that Brian Helgeland (La Confidential/Mystic River) will write and direct, while Working Title produce but Screen Daily reports that the 36-year-old star of The Dark Knight Rises and Star Trek: Nemesis will play the Krays, who terrorised the East End of London in the 50s and 60s.

The story of the Kray twins has previously been tackled in the 1990 film, The Krays, when they were portrayed by Spandau Ballet brothers Gary and Martin Kemp and this will be a fresh look at the criminal duo. The story will focus on Reggie Kray - older by 10 minutes - as he sought to control his psychotic brother. Between them they ruled London's East End, murdering rivals such as Jack 'The Hat' McVitie, whilst carrying out armed robberies, assaults, arson and protection rackets. Despite their many misdemeanors they are still revered by many, with Reggie's funeral in 2000 attracting huge crowds.

He may be able to gain experience for the role when he joins the cast of the gang-based BBC drama Peaky Blinders later this year when shooting for the new season begins.

In addition, he is already due to play the role of Elton John in the forthcoming biopic of the musician, entitled Rocketman - it's hard to imagine two more differing roles, but we're confident he can shine in both.

[via Screen Daily]

(Images: Rex)