After a lengthy search, it has been announced that Tom Hardy will play Elton John in the bio-pic Rocketman, which is being produced by John’s husband, David Furnish, at Rocket Pictures, with Focus Features signed on to support a “major” North American release.
The film will follow Elton John’s life from the time he was a five-year-old music prodigy, with John re-recording some of his greatest hits for the soundtrack.
“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 Focus Features CEO Peter Schlessel. “We are confident that Tom will embody the physicality and spirit of Sir Elton.”
Rocketman will be directed by Michael Gracey and is set to start filming in early 2014.