Written and directed by Academy Award winner Brian Helgeland, Legend is based on a true story. In a time when London is looking to become “the Las Vegas of Europe,” Reggie and Ronnie fall into London’s organized crime scene. The film follows the brothers as they rise quickly, only to find their position grow very precarious. Ronnie becomes something of a “loose cannon,” and as he gets out of hand, Reggie has to try to rein him in. Legend is a high-stakes crime thriller, if we’re to judge by the trailer, there’s a good amount of humor mixed in with all the suspense.
Hardy seems to handle the challenge of playing two roles gracefully. As the brothers shoot, drink, and generally cause mayhem throughout the trailer, it’s easy to forget that they’re played by just one actor — the extra makeup for Ronnie’s disfigured nose doesn’t hurt. It’s like watching The Parent Trap, just with more guns and violence. (Fine, that’s not the best comparison.)
With Ronnie’s dangerous tendencies, Hardy makes a good case for his ability to play a villain in the Marvel series, as he’s expressed an interest in doing. (Marvel Studios, take note.)
In addition to Tom Hardy (x2), Legend also stars Emily Browning, Christopher Eccleston, Taron Egerton, Tara Fitzgerald, Chazz Palminteri and David Thewlis. The film will hit U.K. theaters on September 11, and then open for limited release in the U.S. on October 2, 2015.
