VIDEO: Taron Egerton Gets Wild and Crazy as Elton John in New ‘Rocketman’ Trailer
Richard Madden, Jamie Bell, and Bryce Dallas Howard co-star in the rock biopic, in theaters May 31
February 21, 2019
Taron Egerton transforms from Reg Dwight, a so-called shy, little “fat boy from nowhere,” into one of the world’s most beloved superstars in the latest look at the upcoming Elton John biopic “Rocketman.”
On Thursday, Paramount Pictures released the epic musical fantasy’s official trailer, highlighting both Sir Elton’s origins as an aspiring piano man and his up-and-down relationships with longtime writing partner Bernie Taupin (“Billy Elliott’s” Jamie Bell) and his first manager, John Reid (“Game of Thrones” and “Bodyguard’s” Richard Madden).
Elton’s legacy of course consists of more than just his litany of chart-topping hits. The rock legend is also revered for his larger-than-life persona and outrageously delightful stage antics and Egerton goes all-in with his performance, whether he’s donning a bedazzled Los Angeles Dodgers uniform or hamming it up for the cameras on the red carpet. In one scene, he gets into a tiff with Taupin while dressed like a cockatoo.
“Don’t you wanna just sing without all this ridiculous paraphernalia?” Bell’s character asks him.
“People don’t pay to see Reg Dwight,” Egerton yells back. “They pay to see Elton John!”
Directed by Dexter Fletcher (who did uncredited work on “Bohemian Rhapsody”), the film also stars Gemma Jones, Kit Connor, and past Stern Show guest Bryce Dallas Howard as Elton’s mom Sheila Eileen, who passed away in 2017.
“Rocketman” opens May 31.
