Distribution house FilmDistrict has acquired the rights to Rocketman, the feature film about the life and times of Elton John.
The project is in the pre-production as of yet and is being produced by John’s Rocket Pictures as well as Icon/AI Film. John’s partner David Furnish is also an executive producer on the project.
Michael Garcey is directing with a script from War Horse and Billy Elliot scribe Lee Hall.
FilmDistrict is reportedly planning a wide theatrical release in the U.S., which was apparently a priority for Rocket Pictures execs as they started on the journey of making the film.
Producer Steve Hamilton Shaw said having the FilmDistrict team onboard “ensures Rocketman will reach the widest possible audience in the U.S.”
Rocketman will tell the life story of Elton John starting from childhood. It will chronicle his journey from a child prodigy to becoming an international superstar and living legend in the music industry.
There is no definite word yet on who will play the British icon in the biopic, but Tom Hardy has emerged as a front-runner in recent speculation.
Justin Timberlake has also been mentioned as a possibility, having played the singer in John’s 2001 music video for “This Train Don’t Stop There Anymore.”
We suspect the Timberlake talk is early straw-grasping, but Hardy sounds like a strong contender.
Honestly, we’re more anxious to know if the true lyrics to “Bennie and the Jets” will finally be revealed in the film, settling karaoke debates once and for all.
As of now, producers are aiming for a 2014 release.