Paramount Pictures is closing a deal to finance and distribute the Elton John biopic “Rocketman,” in which Taron Egerton is set to play the iconic singer.
Dexter Fletcher is directing Egerton as he portrays John in the various stages of his legendary life. Lee Hall wrote the script for the package, and John is producing with Marv Films and Matthew Vaughn alongside John’s Rocket Pictures partner and husband David Furnish.
In 2012, John had said he wanted Justin Timberlake to play him. Then, Tom Hardy’s name was being floated by producers on the film.
Egerton is set to sing John’s songs himself, with production set to begin in August.
The British actor has worked with both Vaughn and John in “Kingsman: The Golden Circle,” and Egerton also starred in the Vaughn-directed “Kingsman: The Secret Service.” Fletcher and Egerton have also collaborated before on “Eddie the Eagle,” which Fletcher directed and Egerton starred in. Vaughn produced.
Fletcher also recently took over as the director of the Freddie Mercury biopic “Bohemian Rhapsody” after Bryan Singer stepped down.
John and Furnish are represented by UTA, while Egerton is represented by CAA and United Agents. Fletcher and Vaughn are represented by WME.
Deadline first reported the news.
