Tom Hardy Cast as Elton John in 'Rocketman'

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After months of rumors, it's official!

Tom Hardy will play Elton John in the upcoming biopic Rocketman.

The film is described as "a larger-than-life movie musical spectacle that tells the story of a child prodigy turned music legend." Sir Elton himself will reportedly re-record many of his classic hits to "parallel the emotional beats of the film."

Hardy's casting is the final piece of the puzzle in getting the Rocket Pictures film off the ground, as Rocketman already has a director (Michael Gracey), a co-financier (AI Film) and an original screenplay from Academy Award nominee Lee Hall (War Horse, Billy Elliot).

"Tom is a stellar talent who will add extraordinary depth and nuance in bringing Elton’s story to life,” said Rocket Pictures CEO Steve Hamilton Shaw. “We are excited to have such a gifted actor on board, and equally excited to be in the hands of Peter Schlessel and the entire Focus Features team.”

"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 Schlessel. "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.”

Sir Elton John and Len Blavatnik are executive producing, along with AI Film CEO Aviv Giladi and Focus Features CEO Peter Schlessel.

The film is scheduled to begin shooting next fall.

Via: Coming Soon