Taron Egerton’s star is on the rise right now. He first broke out as scally turned secret agent Eggsy Unwin in Matthew Vaughn’s surprise smash-hit Kingsman and recently reprised the part in the equally enjoyable Kingsman: The Golden Circle. Now, he’s turning his attention toward an altogether more tuneful role as Reggie Dwight, aka Elton John in the long rumoured biopic, Rocketman.
Yes, it seems that the project is finally – finally! – getting off the ground, with a script written by Lee Hall and Dexter Fletcher directing. From what we understand, it’ll follow Elton John’s early career after he won a piano scholarship, met longtime songwriting partner Bernie Taupin, and released some seriously toe-tapping pop.
To date, it’s been described as an “an unvarnished rock ‘n’ roll biopic with John’s life stripped back of the glitter,” but according to Egerton, it’s not so much a biopic as it is a fantasy musical. Or at least, that’s what he told Collider in a recent interview. When asked what we can expect from the film, here’s what he said:
“Everyone thinks it’s a bio-pic. It isn’t. It’s a fantasy musical so it’s actually his songs used to express important beats in his life at emotional moments. He’s not the only character that sings. It’s going to be fun.”
Speaking about the work he’s been doing to prepare for the role, Egerton explained:
“I’ve recorded some songs. I’ve been doing singing lessons. The next step is I need to think about choreography and trying to create some semblance of a performance that is at least reminiscent of him. I’m going to do it all. I’m going to do it on set as well. We’re going to use a variety of techniques but I will always be singing on set. No miming. I’m just not interested in doing it that way.”
All things considered, this project certainly sounds like it’s in with a chance to rise above music movie mediocrity, with Egerton likely eager to prove himself in a role that, theoretically, could have awards potential. Apparently, the film is now being fast-tracked into full production, so we should hear more about Rocketman in the not too distant future. As always, watch this space for more.