Earlier this month we learned that the Focus Features we knew would no longer exist. With CEO James Schamus stepping out and Peter Schlessel coming in, and bringing much of his FilmDistrict team along with him, their slate and motives would be changing in the years to come. Today brings the first example of the new paradigm, as Focus Features have taken over the former FilmDistrict project, Rocketman.
A biopic on the life of musician Elton John, there were many rumors for who would be taking on the lead role, but now a press release confirms it will be Tom Hardy. Scripted by Billy Elliot writer Lee Hall, the project has been described as a biographical musical fantasy that will weave together John’s life and his music. Directed by commercial the Michael Gracey, the story is also said to be told in a non-linear and hyper-visual manner that will transport people through the many intense experiences, some wonderful, some not, that helped define Elton as an artist, musician and man.
While we look forward to seeing just how Hardy embodies the musical icon, his last biopic of sorts, Bronson, provided perhaps his finest performance yet. Production for Rocketman begins in fall 2014 and in the meantime, Hardy can be seen in next year’s dramas Child 44 and Locke, as well as Mad Max: Fury Road, all of which don’t have confirmed release dates yet.
Do you think Hardy can pull off Elton John?