Taron Egerton has revealed that he once surprised Tom Hardy with an unscripted kiss while filming the 2015 crime drama Legend. The unexpected moment never made it into the finished movie, but Egerton still remembers it as one of his favorite improvisations.
The Scene That Never Made It
Egerton played “Mad” Teddy Smith, the character depicted as Ronnie Kray’s lover, while Hardy portrayed both infamous Kray twins. During one scene, Egerton was sitting in the back of a car when Hardy’s character returned after killing someone.
Without warning Hardy, Egerton decided to improvise. He recalled grabbing Hardy’s face and giving him a kiss before quickly backing away to see how his co-star would react. According to Egerton, he believed Hardy “loved it.”
Why Egerton Took the Chance
The actor explained that the characters were supposed to be lovers, yet the film never actually showed them kissing. For Egerton, that created an opportunity to challenge the hypermasculine atmosphere surrounding the gangsters in the movie.
He also credited director Brian Helgeland for allowing the cast considerable freedom to improvise. Egerton said Hardy embraced that approach, which gave him the confidence to take the scene in an unexpected direction.
Egerton Opens Up About Apex
The actor also spoke candidly about transforming his body for the Netflix film Apex. Egerton revealed that he starved himself and pushed his body extremely hard to achieve the physique required for the role.
Looking back, he said he now recognizes that the version of himself on screen was not necessarily something to aspire to. A friend helped change his perspective by suggesting that he should want to “smash” that version of himself rather than constantly try to become it.
The Pressure Behind the Physique
Egerton admitted that he experienced periods of self-loathing while filming topless scenes, including during Apex and the 2014 film Kingsman: The Secret Service. He said he was unable to enjoy those moments because his perception of his own appearance had become distorted.
His comments offer a revealing look at the pressure actors can place on themselves when preparing for physically demanding roles. Behind the polished images audiences see on screen, the process can involve extreme routines that are difficult to maintain.
Egerton’s story ultimately goes beyond the amusing Legend anecdote. His willingness to improvise helped create memorable moments on set, but his reflections on Apex show the less glamorous side of transforming for Hollywood, particularly when appearance becomes part of the performance.
