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Rocketman 2019

Movie · 121 min · English · May 16, 2019

Directed by Dexter FletcherWritten by Lee Hall

Starring Taron Egerton, Matthew Illesley, Kit Connor, Jamie Bell, Richard Madden

A 2019 biographical jukebox musical drama film, Rocketman tells the story of British musician Elton John’s early life and rise to fame. The narrative follows his journey from his beginnings in England as a young talent at the Royal Academy of Music, through his collaboration with lyricist Bernie Taupin, all while weaving in his musical legacy. The title derives from John's 1972 hit "Rocket Man". This British-American production was directed by Dexter Fletcher and written by Lee Hall. The film stars Taron Egerton in the role of Elton John, Jamie Bell as Bernie Taupin, Richard Madden as John Reid, and Bryce Dallas Howard as Sheila Eileen, John’s mother.

The movie's production history began more than 2000s prior to its announcement in 2013. At that time, Focus Features secured the rights to adapt John’s life into a film, with Michael Gracey attached as director and Tom Hardy set to play the lead role. However, following disagreements between Focus and John over creative direction, both Hardy and Gracey exited the project in 2014, halting initial filming plans. The project stalled for several years before Paramount Pictures and New Republic Pictures assumed distribution responsibilities in April 2018. At that point, Elton John’s actor, August 2018, and director David Furnish signed on to proceed with the film. Principal photography commenced in August 2018 and wrapped later that same year.

John served as executive producer, while his husband David Furnish produced the movie through their production company Rocket Pictures. Additional producers included Matthew Vaughn under the banner of Marv Films.

Rocketman made its debut at the Cannes Film Festival on 16 May 2019, followed by its theatrical release in the United Kingdom on 22 May 2019 and in the United States on 31 May 2019. The film earned $195 million worldwide, surpassing its $40 million budget. Critics responded positively to the film, especially praising Taron Egerton's portrayal of John. It became the first major studio production to include a gay male sex scene.

Egerton received multiple award nominations, including the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role and a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role. He ultimately won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy. Additionally, John and Taupin were honored with the Best Original Song award at the 77th Golden Globe Awards, the Best Song at the 25th Critics' Choice Awards, and the Best Original Song at the 92nd Academy Awards for "(I'm Gonna) Love Me Again". The film also received four nominations at the 73rd British Academy Film Awards, including Outstanding British Film.