Change Of Direction For This Actor As He Lands Role Of Elton John In New Biopic

Tom Hardy has been chosen to play Elton John in Rocketman, a biopic tracing the life of the singer. The movie plans to incorporate John's life story, beginning when he was discovered at five years old as a musical prodigy. “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,” said Peter Schlessel, CEO of Focus Features. Tom Hardy will play Elton John in Rocketman “We are confident that Tom will embody the physicality and spirit of Sir Elton. This, in conjunction with the creative team led by Michael and Rocket Pictures, will provide the foundation for something that will be a unique cinematic event.” Elton John will rerecord many of his hit songs for Rocketman, which will be directed by Michael Gracey from a script by Billy Elliot and War Horse scribe Lee Hall. 36-year-old Hardy will have to dramatically change his look after bulking up considerably to play villain Bane in The Dark Knight Rises.