It appears that KINGSMAN: THE GOLDEN CIRCLE actor Taron Egerton has a song in his heart that he's eager to sing, because Deadline has just announced that Paramount Pictures is closing a deal that has Egerton in-line to star in ROCKETMAN, a film based on the iconic life of musical legend Elton John. According to the report, Paramount will finance and distribute the project worldwide, with the goal of sharing the singer/pianist’s growth from a prodigy at the Royal Academy of Music to a global superstar, through his influential and enduring musical partnership with his songwriting collaborator Bernie Taupin. The film is said to be presented as a tried-and-true representation of the icon's life, with many of its twists and turns remaining intact for authenticity's sake. Dexter Fletcher is set to direct from a script penned by Lee Hall. Matthew Vaughn and his Marv Films is producing with Elton John and his Rocket Pictures partner David Furnish.
As part of an intriguing twist, it's being reported that Egerton will sing the songs himself, throughout the film. In fact, those who've already heard Egerton's singing voice have said that he's a dead-ringer for Elton's legendary sound, and that audiences stand to be quite impressed by his ability to play the part. For the moment, the plan is to begin production on the film in August, which should give Egerton plenty of time to polish up many of the rock star's classic hits, as well as some of his more obscure releases. In the past, Vaughn and Egerton have collaborated for the Kingsman films, in which Egerton stars as Eggsy, the up-and-coming super spy.
Wow! Okay, I am definitely on board for this one. Not only am I a fan of The Pinball Wizard himself, I'm simply dying to hear what Egerton's best Elton impression sounds like. How about you? Do you have any favorite Elton songs? Have you seen his role in KINGSMAN: THE GOLDEN CIRCLE? Fucking hilarious stuff. Here's hoping that ROCKETMAN soars at the box office, and offers fans of the musical genius something truly special.