Hoping to recreate some of the success of Bohemian Rhapsody, Paramount has just released a featurette on the forthcoming Elton John biopic Rocketman. It also provides the first listen of star Taron Egerton recreating John’s vocals.
The film hits the big screen May 31 and stars Egerton (who actually appeared alongside John in Kingsman: The Golden Circle), Jamie Bell as lyricist Bernie Taupin and Bryce Dallas Howard as Elton’s mother Sheila. Directed by Dexter Fletcher (who picked up the slack on Bohemian Rhapsody after Bryan Singer got sacked), the film will recount John’s rise to fame as one of the world’s most successful singer-songwriters as he deals with drug addiction and concealing his sexual orientation.
Related: ‘Rocketman’ actor Taron Egerton may have just come out
The new featurette offers a few new looks at Egerton in character, donning wigs and false teeth, and samples audio of Egerton singing some of John’s most iconic songs like “Tiny Dancer.” “The great thing about Elton is that he wants Taron’s interpretation of his songs,” says producer Giles Martin. He adds that Elton said “I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone sing my songs better than Taron.”
We’re not sure that’s true, but after seeing the featurette, we’re willing to reserve our judgment until May. For now, we just look forward to seeing the film.
kdhain12
As a huge fan of Elton’s in the 70’s, everything I’ve seen so far of this film looks off… the look, the costumes, the mannerisms, the glasses all seem like cheap imitations. Now, with the singing… not hearing Elton sing these famous songs leaves such an empty feeling. My expectations for this are now incredibly low.
MacAdvisor
With a budget of more than $50 million, the stuff isn’t THAT cheap.
Billy Budd
I did not like Taron’s voice. No.
AlexEf
Nope, he’s not gay
Malibu Eric
I adore Taron, you can tell he puts his heart and soul into his roles. Can’t wait to see this!
Jackrabbit
This unknown doesn’t look like Elton, maybe he’s what Elton wanted to look like I don’t know. This guy is good looking Elton never was. The movie looks awful, no much how they spent and no much hype QUEERTY gives it. I’ll wait for the DVD.