The 'This Means War' actor is expected to shoot the biopic in fall 2014 with Michael Gracey as the director.
- Oct 24, 2013
AceShowbiz - Tom Hardy lines up "Rocketman" as his next starring vehicle. His deal caps a lengthy search to cast the role of Elton John in the film. Before the "Inception" actor was signed, Justin Timberlake was No. 1 on the iconic singer's wish list to lead his upcoming biopic.
"Tom is quickly becoming known as one of the world's most versatile actors, and like others at the top of their craft, he has proven his ability to transform himself completely into the character or subject found in the material," says Focus Features CEO Peter Schlessel. "We are confident that Tom will embody the physicality and spirit of Sir Elton."
The movie will be co-produced by David Furnish, Elton's longtime partner. The Rocketman himself serves as one of the executive producers and will re-record many of his iconic hits to parallel the emotional beats of the film that will have audiences on their feet, singing along to his much loved music.
The biopic will chronicle the British singer's journey to stardom. He once said the film would also cover his drinking issues. "It's going to be a surreal look at my life, and not just a factual look at my life, more in the manner of a 'Moulin Rouge!' " he told the LA Times. "I just don't want it to be a normal biopic because my life hasn't been like that."
Michael Gracey (Fox's upcoming "The Greatest Showman on Earth" starring Hugh Jackman and Disney's "The Muppet Man") is tapped to direct the movie. Oscar nominee Lee Hall ("War Horse", "Billy Elliot") is writing the original screenplay. Filming is scheduled to begin in fall 2014.
Known for his role as the evil Bane in Christopher Nolan's "The Dark Knight Rises", Hardy will next be seen in "Locke" and "Mad Max: Fury Road".
