In Legend, Tom Hardy plays two roles as the infamous East End London gangster twins Ronnie Kray and Reggie Kray (one of whom was gay and the other straight) in Brian Helgeland’s violent period drama.
But when a reporter during the Legend presser at the Toronto Film Festival on Saturday asked Hardy about past media reports that hinted at an “ambiguous” sexuality, the Mad Max: Fury Road and Inception star responded with a quick slap down. “What on earth are you on about?” Hardy questioned the reporter from Daily Xtra, a Toronto LGBT publication.
The journalist cited a 2008 Attitude magazine interview where the Brit actor apparently admitted to gay flings as a younger man. “But what is your question?” Hardy demanded, his voice now loud and resolute.
“I’m wondering if you find it difficult for celebrities to talk about their sexuality,” the reporter returned. Hardy then asked menacingly: “I don’t find it difficult for celebrities to talk about their sexuality. Are you asking about my sexuality?”
“Hum… sure,” the reporter replied, showing the strain of their encounter. It was easy to see now why Hardy, who plays twin brothers as villainous murderers in Legend, is a go-to to embody intimidating film characters.
“Why?” Hardy questioned, before dismissing the reporter with a final “thank you,” while director Helgeland and co-star Emily Browning looked on uncomfortably. Legend portrays the secret history of 1960s London and the events that secured the infamy of the Kray twins across the criminal underground and the British media.
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But for all the celebrity attention Hardy is earning these days, not least with speculation over whether he will be the next James Bond, the Brit actor told the Toronto presser he had no taste for becoming an acting “legend,” when asked by another reporter about his Hollywood aspirations.
“No, not remotely interested in that sort of thing,” Hardy replied. “Just to get a job is pretty cool. I’ve far exceeded my expectations. I just came to deliver a pizza and I’m doing pretty well.”
Legend is produced by Working Title Films and StudioCanal, and is due for an Oct. 2 release by Universal.
Watch the press conference moment below.
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