He’s taking on the role of one of the most legendary singers in history, and actor Taron Egerton has now proved he has the singing voice for it too as he shows off his impressive vocals in a new behind-the-scenes video from upcoming movie Rocketman.
The film will follow Elton’s life and career as he prepares to release his 1972 breakthrough album Honky Chateau, from the highs to the lows, and Egerton, 29, appears to completely transform on screen – looking almost unrecognisable in full costume.
With just months to go until its long-anticipated release date in May, Paramount Pictures has now released a brand new behind-the-scenes video showing actor Egerton singing in the recording studio for the very first time, pulling off a flawless rendition of ‘Tiny Dancer’.
Director Dexter Fletcher appears in the clip and says on camera: “Taron’s actually singing in the film. And he’s so convincing. His voice is incredible.”
Fletcher also directed Queen movie Bohemian Rhapsody recently, but while lead actor Rami Malek’s voice was blended with recordings of lead star Freddie Mercury in the hit, Egerton will sing all of the songs himself in Rocketman.
Meanwhile, the film’s music producer Giles Martin reveals shortly after that he recalls Elton once saying: “I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone sing my songs better than Taron.”
Martin adds: “The great thing about Elton is that he wants Taron’s interpretations of his songs.”
“I don’t think there’s anyone in the world who could have played Elton,” he goes on. “I think it’s Taron’s role.”
Egerton, who is well known for his role in the Kingsman movies, also completely changes his appearance for the role as clips from the movie itself show him performing on stage, rocking some of Elton’s most vibrant and well-known outfits, and even suffering low, emotional moments off stage.
“It’s been the greatest joy of my professional life making this film,” the actor says on camera.
He will be joined in the film by stars including Jamie Bell, Richard Madden, and Bryce Dallas Howard, and while the film covers much of Elton’s life, it’s not yet known how deep it will delve into his past.
The singer, who was married to Renate Blauel from 1984 to 1988 before he came out as gay, has been at the centre of public spats with some of the world’s biggest stars, including Madonna and Rod Stewart, and endured a rocky relationship with his mother up until her death in 2017.
Elton has been married to David Furnish since 2005, with whom he shares sons, Zachary and Elijah, but the film doesn’t appear to focus on that part of the singer’s life.
Rocketman hits cinemas in Australia on May 30.