The new year is looking very promising for Elton John. Besides receiving a recent Golden Globe nomination for his song “Hello, Hello” from the animated film Gnomeo and Juliet, the 64-year-old music icon is also making headway on his upcoming biopic, previously reported on back in September. Currently titled Rocketman, the film has secured a director (TBA “very, very soon”) and a screenwriter (Lee Hall of Billy Elliot). Now they just need a star to play the legendary singer/songwriter, and John knows exactly who he wants.  [L.A. Times]

In a recent interview with the L.A. Times, the 64-year-old music icon expressed interest in casting Justin Timberlake, a compliment perhaps to both himself and the pop star- turned-actor. Seeing as how Timberlake already convincingly portrayed the piano man in the music video for his 2001 single “This Train Don’t Stop There Anymore,” an audition may not be required. John also commented on his vision and how he wanted to follow a Moulin Rouge-esque take, but he won’t have that director on board:

We tried to get Baz [Luhrmann], but Baz is so busy. We can’t announce it yet, but we have got someone on board that we’re very excited about.

If chosen, Timberlake would be the lead in what has been described as a surreal ”jukebox musical” that would include both classic and new Elton John songs. No word yet on whether or not he’ll take the flamboyant rocker up on his offer, but I’m sure many fans (including myself) already have their fingers crossed.