Taron Egerton is lighting up the screen as Elton John in Rocketman, but nobody lights up the stage like the original. We went to the London premiere to get the inside story from the stars -- both on screen and in real life.
Rocketman Premiere with Elton John and Taron Egerton
When you make a biographical musical fantasy based on the life of Sir Elton John, you’re guaranteed two things — an amazing story, and an amazing soundtrack.
Despite his string of high-profile successes in major movies, actor Taron Egerton’s experience playing Elton John was singular.
“Never have I felt so privileged to go to work in the morning.”
The events of the film are told as musical flashbacks as Sir Elton attends an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting.
Egerton described the whirlwind he portrayed on screen.
“The guy lives life at 100 miles per hour, and certainly did during the seventies and eighties, especially before he sort of grabbed the reins of his life and got things under control.”
The film showcases Elton John’s life as a young music prodigy, as well as his struggles with depression, substance abuse, and acceptance of his sexuality.
Bryce Dallas Howard plays Elton’s mother, and, in true mom fashion, she sang the praises of this film.
“This movie is a blast at the theaters. It’s emotional. It’s poignant, but it’s also hilarious, and really surprising, and incredible.”
She went on to explain how Rocketman transcends the typical biopic.
“The fact that it’s not only telling the story of his life — it’s using his music in order to tell the story.”
An emotional Elton John reflected on the reaction the film has garnered since its debut at the Cannes Film Festival.
“The momentum is fantastic. Everything has kind of fallen into place so beautifully. Everyone has worked so hard on that, and I’m very grateful for it.”
When pressed for a favorite song, Sir Elton had a hard time choosing.
“I change favorite songs every five minutes.”
In terms of key songs from the movie, he did not hesitate to call out ‘Your Song’, which plays a vital role early in the film.
“The sequence where we write that song is magical.”
Rocketman is in theaters now.
