Tom Hardy to Play Mobsters the Kray Twins in Brian Helgeland's 'Legend'

We've seen Tom Hardy play real life criminals in the past; like in his breakout role in Bronson or recently as a moonshiner in Lawless, but now we'll get to see him as two of the most notorious gangsters in London history. Screen Daily reports Hardy is in talks to play both twin gangsters Ronald and Reggie Kray in a mob flick from LA Confidential writer/director, Brian Helgeland.

Tentatively titled Legend, the film would have Hardy pulling double-duty as the twin duo, whose criminal exploits made them infamous in East London during the 1950s and '60s. Their gang, which went by the awesome name of The Firm, was involved in everything from armed robbery, arson, and murder, with the twins running their racket through their West End nightclub. It was there that they rubbed elbows with famous celebrities and politicians.  Their chief rival Jack “the Hat” McVitie will be a part of the story, and so will detective Leonardo "Nipper" Read, who was part of a special unit tasked with bringing the brothers down.

Hardy had been set to play Al Capone in a gangster film directed by David Yates, but that project seems to be on hold while the filmmaker is busy with Tarzan. So this gives Hardy a chance to get his mobster fix. Filming is set to begin later this year. If you want more on Ronald and Reggie, you can always check out the 1990 film, The Krays, which starred Gary and Martin Kemp from the group, Spandau Ballet. Seriously.