English actor Tom Hardy is in talks to play both Ronnie and Reggie Kray in Brian Helgeland’s new film about the lives of the notorious twins. Legend will look at the relationship between the brothers, who are the most infamous British gangsters and have become an emblem of the East End.

tom hardy kray twinsDoes handsome Hardy have what it takes to play the Krays?

Ronnie and Reggie established the 1960’s criminal organisation, The Firm, but were also well-known on the London social scene for owning nightclubs and associating with celebrities. After the high profile murder of Jack “The Hat” McVitie the twins, along with fifteen other Firm members, were arrested and put into custody. With the pair locked away many more witnesses came forward, and the twins were eventually jailed in 1968. They spent the remainder of their lives behind bars. Ronnie Kray, who was the younger of the twins by a mere ten minutes, was certified insane and lived out his days in Broadmoor Hospital.

More: why 2014/2015 could be Tom Hardy's time to shine.

The film will focus on Reggie’s attempt to reign in his brother, as well as the relationship between the pair. The iconic twins have previously been portrayed by brothers Gary and Martin Kemp in the 1990 biography film, The Krays. Production for the new movie will begin later on this year.

Tom Hardy has never shied away from roles that you wouldn’t necessarily associate him with. We were all surprised to hear that the actor, who has become something of a heartthrob, would be taking on the role of Bane in The Dark Knight Rises. Bane isn’t exactly famed for his sex appeal, and it marked Hardy’s intention to move away from roles where his looks may have been a factor. 2011’s Warrior had previously seen Hardy beef up to play a martial arts fighter, much to the delight of his female fans.

Tom HardyTom Hardy Will Play The Krays. Both Of Them.

In stark contrast, it’s been recently revealed that Hardy will be starring as Elton John in the upcoming biopic Rocketman. Going from Bane to Elton John is definitely a jump and if Hardy manages it with ease he’ll really have proven his versatility as an movie actor. It’s one thing playing Elton John, who Hardy may have the opportunity to discuss how to play the role with, but channeling the Krays may be a little more challenging.

Perhaps Hardy will draw on his own conquered troubles, most noably drug addiction, to get to the core of disturbed Ronnie, but does he have what it takes to really capture the Krays and their legacy? On top of this will an American director be able to accurately capture the zeitgeist of 1960's London?

Legend will be highly anticipated and we hope that both Helgeland and Hardy will do justice to such a weighty period of history.