Legend (2015): Who Played Reggie Kray?

Hey, movie buffs! Ever been captivated by the dark allure of gangster films, especially ones ripped from the pages of real-life crime sagas? If so, you’ve probably stumbled upon "Legend," the 2015 flick that dives deep into the lives of the infamous Kray twins. Now, when we talk about "Legend," one name that invariably pops up alongside the ferocious Ronnie Kray is Reggie Kray. So, who embodied this complex character on screen? Let's get into it!

Taron Egerton as Reggie Kray

Taron Egerton masterfully portrayed Reggie Kray in the movie Legend! You might recognize Taron Egerton from other awesome movies like Kingsman: The Secret Service, Rocketman, and Tetris, where he has proven his mettle as an actor who can slip into diverse roles with remarkable ease. In "Legend," Egerton faced the daunting task of not just playing a notorious gangster but also standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Tom Hardy, who played both Ronnie and Reggie Kray. Talk about pressure, right? But guess what? He nailed it! Egerton brought a certain charm and suave sophistication to Reggie, making him dangerously appealing. The movie explores Reggie's attempts to legitimize the Krays' operations and his complicated relationship with his wife, Frances. Egerton’s portrayal gave us a glimpse into the internal conflicts and ambitions that drove Reggie, which made the character all the more compelling. Fans and critics lauded Egerton’s performance, noting how well he balanced the charm and ruthlessness required for the role. His chemistry with Tom Hardy was electric, adding depth to the complex dynamic between the twins. It's no small feat to share the screen with someone as talented as Tom Hardy, especially when he’s pulling double duty. Egerton held his own, creating a memorable and distinct character that resonated with audiences. He successfully captured the essence of Reggie Kray – a man torn between loyalty to his brother and a desire for a different life. This role solidified Taron Egerton’s reputation as a versatile actor capable of handling complex and challenging parts. For anyone looking to explore more of his work, "Kingsman: The Secret Service" and "Rocketman" are must-watches. In "Kingsman", he plays a street-smart kid turned suave spy, showcasing his action and comedic timing. In "Rocketman", he transforms into Elton John, delivering a powerful and emotional performance that earned him critical acclaim. Each role highlights his ability to fully immerse himself in diverse characters, making him one of the most exciting actors to watch today.

The Enigmatic Reggie Kray

To really appreciate Taron Egerton's portrayal, let's delve a bit deeper into the real Reggie Kray. Reggie, alongside his twin brother Ronnie, was a central figure in the London criminal underworld during the 1960s. The Kray twins were notorious for their involvement in various criminal activities, including armed robberies, assaults, and even murder. What set Reggie apart from his brother was his outward charm and business acumen. While Ronnie was often seen as the more violent and unpredictable of the two, Reggie had a certain charisma that allowed him to navigate social circles and maintain a veneer of respectability. In "Legend," we see this duality play out as Reggie tries to balance his criminal activities with his desire for a legitimate business empire. He envisions a life where he and his brother can move beyond the violence and build a lasting legacy through legitimate means. However, his efforts are constantly thwarted by Ronnie's volatile nature and their deep-seated loyalty to their criminal roots. Reggie's personal life was also fraught with turmoil. His relationship with his wife, Frances Shea, was complex and ultimately tragic. Frances, played by Emily Browning in the film, became a symbol of Reggie's longing for a normal life. Their relationship was marred by his controlling behavior, her mental health struggles, and the pervasive influence of the Kray twins' criminal world. In many ways, Reggie's character is a study in contrasts. He is a man capable of both great affection and extreme violence, driven by ambition and plagued by inner demons. Understanding these complexities is crucial to appreciating the depth and nuance that Taron Egerton brought to the role. Egerton captured the essence of a man trapped between two worlds, struggling to reconcile his desire for a better life with the inescapable pull of his criminal past.

What Makes Egerton's Performance Stand Out?

What specifically made Taron Egerton's portrayal of Reggie Kray so compelling? It wasn't just about mimicking the man's appearance or accent; it was about capturing his essence. Egerton managed to convey Reggie's inner turmoil – the conflict between his desire for a legitimate life and his loyalty to his brother and their criminal empire. One of the key aspects of Egerton's performance was his ability to portray Reggie's charm and charisma. Reggie Kray was known for his suave demeanor and ability to win people over. Egerton captured this quality perfectly, making it easy to see how Reggie could charm his way into people's lives, even as he was involved in brutal criminal activities. His scenes with Emily Browning, who played Frances, were particularly powerful. Egerton conveyed the depth of Reggie's affection for Frances, as well as his inability to escape the destructive patterns of his life. You could see the genuine love he had for her, juxtaposed with the controlling and manipulative behavior that ultimately led to their tragic end. Furthermore, Egerton's chemistry with Tom Hardy was phenomenal. The two actors played off each other perfectly, capturing the complex and often volatile dynamic between the Kray twins. They conveyed the deep-seated loyalty and affection that existed between the brothers, as well as the intense rivalry and conflict that often bubbled beneath the surface. Egerton's ability to hold his own against Hardy, who was essentially playing two roles, was a testament to his skill and talent as an actor. He didn't get overshadowed; instead, he created a distinct and memorable character that complemented Hardy's dual performance. In short, Egerton's portrayal of Reggie Kray was a masterclass in acting. He brought depth, nuance, and complexity to the role, making Reggie a compelling and unforgettable character. It's a performance that cemented his status as one of the most talented actors of his generation.

The Impact of "Legend" on Taron Egerton's Career

Starring in "Legend" undoubtedly had a significant impact on Taron Egerton's career. It showcased his range as an actor and proved that he could handle complex and challenging roles. Before "Legend," Egerton was primarily known for his role in "Kingsman: The Secret Service", where he played a charismatic and action-oriented spy. While that role was a breakthrough for him, it also risked typecasting him as a purely action star. "Legend" allowed Egerton to break free from that mold and demonstrate his ability to portray a more nuanced and morally ambiguous character. The film garnered attention from critics and audiences alike, and Egerton's performance was widely praised. This critical acclaim helped to solidify his reputation as a serious actor and opened doors to new and exciting opportunities. Following "Legend," Egerton went on to star in a variety of high-profile projects, including the biopic "Rocketman", where he played Elton John. This role earned him even greater critical acclaim and further cemented his status as one of the most talented actors of his generation. His performance in "Rocketman" earned him a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Musical or Comedy, and a nomination for a BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role. It's clear that "Legend" played a crucial role in shaping Egerton's career trajectory. It allowed him to showcase his versatility and depth as an actor, paving the way for future success and solidifying his place in Hollywood.

Final Thoughts on Reggie Kray

So, to recap, Taron Egerton brilliantly played Reggie Kray in the 2015 film "Legend". His portrayal brought depth, nuance, and a compelling charm to the character, making it a standout performance. Egerton captured the essence of a man torn between his criminal life and a desire for something more, leaving a lasting impression on viewers. If you haven't seen "Legend" yet, definitely give it a watch to witness Egerton's amazing performance firsthand! And while you're at it, check out some of his other movies like "Kingsman: The Secret Service" and "Rocketman" to see the full range of his talent. You won't be disappointed!