Tom Hardy is apparently in talks to play both of the legendary Kray Twins in an upcoming thriller, ‘Legend’, written and directed by the Oscar-winning L.A Confidential scribe, Brian Helgeland, Screen Daily have revealed. The highly in-demand Hardy is reportedly considering Legend amongst a host of other leading roles as the actor’s career continues to go from strength to strength.

Tom Hardy has the pick of many interesting roles

The film - which will follow the identical twin brothers and their illegal activities London circa 1950-60 - is currently in development with production due to start in the UK later this year. Last year, at a Writer’s Guild of America event in LA in October, Helgeland opened up on the project, divulging that that the film would centre on the life of Reggie Kray, the older twin – by 10 minutes – as he attempts to control his younger twin.

The Firm, the organised criminal gang created and ran by The Kray Twins, was involved in armed robberies, arson, protection rackets, assaults and the murders of criminals Jack “The Hat” McVitie and George Cornell. The Kray twins were arrested on 9 May 1968 having mixed with Diana Dors, Frank Sinatra and Judy Garland in their capacity as West End nightclub owners.

Tom Hardy has most recently been seen in Locke, a tense thriller in which he plays an ordinary man; a dedicated family man with a strong working reputation. He has been highly praised for his pivotal performance in the film, which sees him dominate the screen in every shot.

Hardy will also be playing Elton John in the upcoming movie biopic Rocketman, which will focus on the rise and rise of the legendary musician. Add to that central roles in Child 44, Mad Max: Fury Road, The Drop and the a stab at the small screen with Peaky Blinders' second season, and it looks as though 2014 is going to be Tom Hardy’s year.