Everything you need to know about Rocketman, the Elton John biopic
The musical drama came out in 2019
Last updated 28th Jan 2022
After the success of 2018 film Bohemian Rhapsody about the life of Queen and Freddie Mercury, it's no wonder that more biopics are being made about huge artists. And who better to make a film about than one of the best performers of all time and original Rocketman - Sir Elton John?
Announced in 2012, the Rocketman film was released in May 2019, and was developed by none other than Elton himself - whose birth name, of course, is Reginald Kenneth Dwight.
Having started his career in 1962, it can't come as any surprise that Elton Hercules John created a flick about himself - there's plenty to talk about! Starring Taron Egerton as the man himself, here's everything you need to know about the Elton John biopic, Rocketman.
What is the Rocketman film about?
The film Rocketman is all about the life of Elton John, one of the world's most famous singers. Not only that, but he's also an excellent musician and songwriter, and most of his hits are beloved all over the world.
The film has been described as, 'A musical fantasy about the fantastical human story of Elton John's breakthrough years.' Based on a 'true fantasy', the film follows Elton John on his journey to becoming a music icon, transforming from a shy piano prodigy Reginald Dwight into international superstar Elton John.
Is there a trailer for Rocketman?
There sure is! Watch it here:
When was the film Rocketman released?
The film Rocketman was released in the UK on 24th May 2019.
When is Rocketman out on DVD?
Rocketman was released on DVD on 30th September, four months after its theatrical release. As well as the epic film, fans can enjoy a Sing-along version, It's Going To Be A Wild Ride: Creative Vision, and Music Reimagined: The Studio Sessions
Who is in the cast of Rocketman?
Taron Egerton as Elton John
Welsh actor Taron Egerton played Elton John in the film about his life. Luckily, Taron is already an accomplished singer, so didn't need a lot of coaching on that aspect of taking on the role.
He's best known for his role as Gary "Eggsy" Unwin in both Kingsman and its sequel, The Golden Circle. He also had a role in Legend opposite Tom Hardy, and played the titular character in Eddie the Eagle opposite Hugh Jackman.
Jamie Bell as Bernie Taupin
Jamie Bell stars in the film as Bernie Taupin, Elton's songwriting partner. After meeting in 1967, the pair have now worked together on more than 30 albums.
Of course, film fans will recognise Jamie as the titular role in Billy Elliot, a film he starred in at the age of just 13. He also starred in 2005's King Kong, The Adventures of Tintin and Fantastic Four.
Richard Madden as John Reid
Richard Madden portrays Elton's long-time music manager and former lover, John Reid. Not only did he manage Elton for over 20 years, but he also spent three years looking after Queen in their early days.
Richard is known for his role as Sgt David Budd in Bodyguard, but rose to prominence after starring as Robb Stark in internationally-acclaimed TV series, Game Of Thrones. He has also had a career in theatre.
Bryce Dallas Howard as Sheila Eileen
Bryce Dallas Howard plays the role of Elton's mum, Sheila Eileen. Although she and Elton did not get on for a long time, they reconciled towards the end of her life, and she was a big part of his Christmas advert for M&S in 2018.
Bryce herself has the film industry in her blood, as she's the daughter of prolific film director Ron Howard. Although she's had many roles, she's known for playing Claire Dearing in the new Jurassic World reboot film series opposite Chris Pratt.
Stephen Graham as Dick James
Stephen Graham portrays Dick James in the film, a British music publisher who signed Elton to his label and encouraged him to use a stage name.
Fans of This Is England will recognise Stephen as Andrew "Combo" Gascoigne, but many others may know him as Tommy from 2000 film Snatch. He also joined the cast of Line Of Duty for the fifth series.
Gemma Jones as Ivy
Gemma Jones plays Ivy in the film, Elton's grandmother. In fact, it was Ivy's piano that Elton first learned to play on at the age of three. He was partly raised by her along with his mother as his father was away with the RAF.
Gemma has had a long and successful career in acting, and after playing Mrs Dashwood in Sense and Sensibility opposite Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet, starred as Bridget's mum Pam in the film series. She also played nurse Madame Pomfrey in the Harry Potter film franchise.
Tate Donovan as Doug Weston
Tate Donovan plays Doug Weston in Rocketman, the owner of nightclub The Troubadour in Los Angeles, California, which played an important role in making Elton's career a success.
Tate is a rather well-known actor, but younger audiences will recognise him as the voice of Hercules in the 1997 Disney film. Alternatively, Tate was memorable as Rachel Green's boyfriend Joshua in TV series, Friends. He also had a main role in Argo, starring and directed by Ben Affleck.
Who is Taron Egerton?
Taron Egerton is a Welsh actor who plays Elton John in the film about his life, Rocketman. After Elton had a hilarious cameo in Taron's film Kingsman: The Golden Circle, it seems the pair became friends as he played him in a film of his life.
WATCH: Our full interview with Taron Egerton
Although Tom Hardy was originally set to take on the role and Justin Timberlake was Elton's first choice, Taron revealed in November 2018 that he'd been "desperate" to do it, and "put his cards on the table."
He said: "The conversation started when we were filming Kingsman 2, which was early 2016 and at the time I think Tom Hardy was attached to do it. But he'd been attached for a long time and I start playing him at 17, 18 so they needed someone else and I just put my cards on the table and said I was desperate to do it.
"They were up for it and I think when Elton heard the 'I'm Still Standing' thing, that kind of sealed the deal."
WATCH: Taron Egerton's character Johnny the gorilla sing 'I'm Still Standing' in Sing
Of singing as Elton in the film, Taron told Collider.com: "Elton’s songs are defining moments in people’s lives and the songs should all come from a place of character. It’s been the greatest joy of my professional life making this film.
"I’ve recorded some songs. I’ve been doing singing lessons… I’m going to do it all. I’m going to do it on set as well. We’re going to use a variety of techniques but I will always be singing on set. No miming. I’m just not interested in doing it that way."
Apparently, Elton was hugely impressed with Taron's abilities, and according to the film's music producer Giles Martin, said: "I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone sing my songs better than Taron."
Elton and Taron performed 'Tiny Dancer' together in February 2019, the song used in the trailer for the film, at Elton's AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party. Watch it below:
Elton John & Taron Egerton - ‘Tiny Dancer’ (Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party)
Does Taron Egerton sing in Rocketman?
He certainly does. Not only is he a talented actor, known for his roles in the Kingsman film franchise, Eddie the Eagle and Robin Hood, but Welshman Taron is also an incredible singer.
He showed off his skills as a singer when he appeared in 2017 animated film Sing as Johnny the gorilla - even singing Elton's smash hit 'I'm Still Standing' in the film - and also had the opportunity to unveil his vocal prowess in an interview on The Jonathan Ross Show in 2016 when he entered a joke sing-off with Luke Evans and Hugh Jackman.
Taron revealed to Bustle.com about how singing is such a strong part of his Welsh identity, saying: "I come from Wales in the UK and we have a fairly rich heritage of singing. Choral singing is a very big thing in Wales. It was something I did a lot in school. When I was 17 I started experimenting with singing solo, I did an amateur musical, and when I was in drama school I was encouraged to sing.
"I did a singing competition that went well, and I had just been sort of waiting for the opportunity for someone to pay me to sing. The next step is I need to think about choreography and trying to create some semblance of a performance that is at least reminiscent of him."
Elton's husband David Furnish told The Hollywood Reporter: "Elton has told Taron, 'Don’t copy me. Don’t think you have to sing it exactly the way that I sang it. Don’t think you have to perform it the way I performed it.' I think it’s the challenge for the actor to embody the spirit and not get into thinking they have to do an impersonation."
At Cannes Film Festival, Elton John and Taron Egerton performed amazing duet after the Rocketman premiere. Taron's talents were shown off during the duet with Elton on the beach, near the location of the world famous film festival, where they performed 'Rocketman' for onlookers. The duet was shared online by the official Rocketman account.
Cannes film festival wasn't the only time that Elton John and Taron Egerton have performed together. The pair surprised fans in Hove, who were there to see Elton John on his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour.
WATCH: A clip from Elton John and Taron Egerton's amazing duet below
Taron Egerton also revealed in a new behind-the-scenes video how he really wanted to sing the performance scenes live. The video also includes interview with Elton John, executive producer, and his husband David Furnish who was a producer on the movie.
Who is Jamie Bell in Rocketman?
Jamie Bell plays the role of Bernie Taupin, Elton John's long-term collaborator. The pair have written songs including 'Rocket Man' and 'Candle In the Wind'. Jamie dropped in to see us at Magic and told us all about it.
WATCH: Our full interview with Jamie Bell
Is Richard Madden in Rocketman?
He sure is! Bodyguard star Richard Madden appears in the Elton John film as John Reid, Elton's real-life manager. He also appeared as a character in Bohemian Rhapsody played by Aidan Gillen, as he managed Queen between 1975 and 1978.
He became Elton's - then Reg Dwight - manager in 1970, after the two met at a Motown Christmas party, with Elton becoming John's first client as a music manager. They moved in together and had a romantic relationship which ended after five years, but John went on to manage Elton until 1998 when a letter detailing his spending was leaked.
Although they are thought to not be close anymore, John apparently hopes for a reconciliation in the future, and said a few years ago: "I'm fond of Elton and proud of the work I did with him. One day I'll bump into him and there may be hugs and kisses. Or maybe not."
Where was Rocketman filmed?
Rocketman was mostly filmed at the Bray Studios near Maidenhead in the UK, where films like Alien and The Rocky Horror Picture Show were filmed.
NOW WATCH: Elton John's Voice Double
Now Read:
11 of the best Elton John songs of all time
A look back at some of Elton John's most iconic performances
Elton John releases collaborations album 'The Lockdown Sessions'