Tom Hardy To Play Sir Elton John In ‘Rocketman’ From Focus Features

British actor Tom Hardy has agreed to play Sir Elton John in the film Rocketman, the title to one of his most iconic songs.

The film is being directed by Michael Gracey and it’s described as a biographical musical with a script from Billy Elliot scribe Lee Hall.

In a press release from Rocket Pictures published today and available on Deadline, CEO Steve Hamilton Shaw states:

Tom is a stellar talent who will add extraordinary depth and nuance in bringing Elton’s story to life. We are excited to have such a gifted actor on board, and equally excited to be in the hands of Peter Schlessel and the entire Focus Features team.

Schlessel added the following:

Tom is quickly becoming known as one of the world’s most versatile actors, and like others at the top of their craft, he has proven his ability to transform himself completely into the character or subject found in the material. We are confident that Tom will embody the physicality and spirit of Sir Elton. This, in conjunction with the creative team led by Michael and Rocket Pictures, will provide the foundation for something that will be a unique cinematic event.

Rocketman will tell the story of how Elton John went from child prodigy at 5 years of age to one of the most iconic musicians of modern times, characterized by his outrageous costumes and wild behavior.

John’s music catalog will be available for Tom Hardy’s film, and he will re-record many of his hit singles, according to the release, which will “bring audiences to their feet” as they reminisce in their favorite Elton John music.

Tom Hardy recently bowed out of Everest, the story of George Mallory, a father and husband who attempted to reach the summit of the highest peak in the world only to perish in the feat.

However, Tom Hardy can be seen in Locke and Mad Max, soon to be released. The actor is one of the rising stars of British movies and has worked with Christopher Nolan in The Dark Knight Rises and Inception among many other films.

Rocketman is set to start filming in 2014 and promises to be a real treat for fans of the legendary Sir Elton John portrayed by Tom Hardy.