If portraying a famous icon on the big screen while they’re alive to see it doesn’t sound stressful enough, let’s throw in this… singing like them too. Not just any celeb, but iconic singer Elton John. This circumstance could go horribly wrong, but it appears to be a major strong point in the upcoming biopic Rocketman. According to Rocketman director Dexter Fletcher, the audience is in for a treat when they see Taron Egerton as the British pop star. Here’s what he said:
Taron is actually singing in the film and he’s so convincing and his voice is incredible.
That’s right… the fantasy musical will have the actor recreating some of Elton John’s most recognizable performances, looks, life moments and is even pulling off his hits with his own vocals tool. If Rami Malek can score an Oscar for primarily lip-syncing to Freddie Mercury’s Queen vocals, imagine the accolade in store for the Kingsman star.
It sounds like a lot of pressure, but if you’ve seen Illumination’s animated film Sing then you’ve already seen Taron Egerton nail a Elton John track-- just as Johnny the Gorilla. It certainly helps that the actor received some high praise from the legend himself. Check out what Rocketman’s music producer Giles Martin said of his singing in a recent featurette:
Elton said: ‘I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone sing my songs better than Taron.' The great thing about Elton is he wants Taron’s interpretation of the songs… I don’t think there’s anyone in the world who could play Elton. It’s Taron’s role.
Over the years, there’s certainly been tons of artists take on Elton John's songs or impersonate his vocal stylings, so the fact that Elton said Taron has impressed him the most says a lot about how much faith the musician has in the film star. Elton John is an executive producer on Rocketman, and it’s putting his life out there on the big screen. So it’s safe to say the movie wouldn’t exist if he didn’t believe in the actor playing him.
Taron Egerton seems to have certainly felt the weight of the role, previously saying he just wants to make the singer happy with his portrayal. What looks to have taken the edge off as Giles Martin also explained is Elton John’s interest in the actor putting his own interpretation on screen. Here’s what Taron said of his time as Elton John for Rocketman:
The thing about playing someone who is so beloved is all we can do is give our heartfelt interpretation of his life and his music. 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.
Check out Taron Egerton’s vocals for yourself below, along with the filmmakers gushing about his talent:
Taron Egerton seems to have bonded with Elton John during the process of making Rocketman. The two even performed “Tiny Dancer” together at an Oscars after party a couple months ago. Fans can witness Taron taking on the icon’s story when Rocketman hits theaters on May 31.
