You can’t stop the music, or the music biopic, so now we’re getting the tale of Elton John in Rocketman.
Luckily, this film isn’t going to cram in everything from the pop star’s life, instead focusing on his rise to fame and teaming with writing partner Bernie Taupin. That should give them more time to tell a story, and it will still allow them to include plenty of sequins, boots, and good times. In fact, they are already subtly telling us that this will take liberties with facts, billing itself as a musical fantasy and not a biopic.
The trailer looks unabashedly lighthearted, more a celebration of the music we love than a deep exploration of the man behind it. That would be in line with the tone director Dexter Fletcher set with Bohemian Rhapsody, where he went uncredited as the man who picked up the pieces left by Bryan Singer’s abrupt exit. Despite the mess, that film turned out okay, so just imagine what Fletcher can do with the entire production under his control.
Taking on the role of the legendary performer is Taron Egerton, who previously worked with Fletcher on Eddie the Eagle. This was no simple network casting, though, as Egerton is taking on the extra work of actually singing in the film (something not always done by actors playing musicians). Co-staring with him is Bryce Dallas Howard, Richard Madden, and Jamie Bell.
So the pieces of Rocketman are looking good, but can it really live up to the entertainment Elton John himself has provided?
Rocketman is directed by Dexter Fletcher and stars Taron Egerton, Jamie Bell, and Richard Madden. It will be released in the UK on May 24th, 2019 and in the US on May 31st, 2019. For international release dates, click here.
Do you think this will be a fun take on Elton John’s life? Let us know in the comments!
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