Enjoyed “Bohemian Rhapsody” and want more films about iconic British musicians that hopefully won’t be as spastically edited? You won’t have to wait long. “Rocketman” follows the life of acclaimed musician Elton John from John’s beginnings at the Royal Academy of Music up to his collaboration with songwriter Bernie Taupin. “Rocketman” has been in development since early 2012 when Elton John began discussing the creation of a biographical film based on his own life and career.
John had initially intended for Justin Timberlake to be the actor portraying him in the film. However, after a number of production delays and casting issues, production of the film ended up getting postponed until mid-2018. At this point, Dexter Fletcher stepped up to direct the film, while Taron Egerton (“Kingsman“)is set to star as Elton John.
Whether or not Egerton will be able to pull off playing the iconic musician remains to be seen. Best known for his roles in “Kingsman: The Secret Service” and the British television series “The Smoke,” he has not had a wide exposure as a musical star, with the exception of the animated musical “Sing” in which Egerton actually covered the Elton John song “I’m Still Standing” (which might have been the tipping point). Egerton is set to sing all of his own parts, including an original song written and recorded with Elton John for the film. Seeing as how the casting directors and production team went through a number of potential stars during the film’s seven-year development, ones hopes that Egerton was chosen because he was perfect for the role and not just as a desperate, final choice.
The complicated process in choosing a director may also raise questions regarding director Dexter Fletcher. Though Fletcher has had previous experience directing the musical “Sunshine On Leith” and stepped in as director for the two final weeks of filming of “Bohemian Rhapsody,” (the director famously bailed on the picture), the final results are still uncertain, especially when considering the decision to make the film more of a “fantasy musical,” rather than a biopic.
Despite the complicated casting process and that the film may be a more fictionalized representation of Elton John’s life than was originally expected, fans will likely not be disappointed, as the film is said to contain hits like “Tiny Dancer,” “Bennie and the Jets,” and “Crocodile Rock” among others.
“Rocketman” will be released on May 31, 2019.
