This summer there was talk that an Elton John film would be happening. Deadline.com confirmed this to be true when FilmDistrict bought the rights to the musical biography, a script by Lee Hall (Billy Elliot). Now it's official that Rocket Pictures' Rocketman has a lead for the film: Tom Hardy, who has been in thrillers like The Dark Knight Rises, Inception and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. He was once one of Variety's "10 Actors to Watch" and we're still watching him. But is he musical? According to the TomHardysPinky account on YouTube, Hardy has been busy with a lot of rapping.
This isn't to say Hardy will show off those particular skills. Elton John's music will be part of the film soundtrack, with John potentially re-recording classics specifically for the movie. The storyline will follow John from his childhood days discovering music -- he landed a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music at age 11. You will see his personal life and music evolve along with that trademark style that's the public eye has been obsessed with for decades. Elton John has been making music to Bernie Taupin's lyrics since 1967, and together they have made over 30 albums and notably the song "Rocket Man (I Think It's Going to Be a Long, Long Time)." No word yet on an actor cast for Taupin.
Rocketman director Michael Gracey also has other films in the works, The Muppet Man and The Greatest Showman on Earth, starring musical actor Hugh Jackman. You will have to wait quite some time, though. The film isn't set to shoot until next fall. Focus Features is on board for its widespread release. You can get your fix of Elton John on the small screen November 28th in a Muppet Thanksgiving special with Lady Gaga on ABC.
Do you think Tom Hardy will play a good Elton John?
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