Hollywood can’t get enough of musical biopics, but Rocketman is attempting to set itself apart from all the others. The Elton John biopic is shooting for the stars by presenting itself as a “musical fantasy” film rather than a straightforward biographical drama. This means more trippy imagery and fantasy sequences galore in the latest Rocketman trailer.
The trailer for the film came out today. It begins with Egerton looking very ’70s in a Reese’s Pieces–hued dressing gown, carefully placing the lyrics to John’s beloved ballad “Your Song” on a piano’s music rack. Wearing John’s signature statement glasses, he sounds out the tune for what would become one of his best-known hits.
If you loved revisiting Queen’s classic bangers thanks to Bohemian Rhapsody, you’re probably going to want to take a peek at this biopic, too. Rocketman will cover John’s career, from its earliest moments to the formation of his flashy fashion taste and the cocaine addiction that John himself once said made him “monstrous.”
Familiar songs like “Bennie and the Jets” and “Tiny Dancer” will grace the film. Egerton did all the singing for the role, earning compliments from the famed singer himself, who said “I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone sing my songs better than Taron.” High praise! Joining him in the cast are Richard Madden, who plays John’s manager and eventual lover John Reid; Bryce Dallas Howard, as the musician’s mother, Sheila Dwight; and Jamie Bell, who plays John’s longtime collaborator, lyricist Bernie Taupin.
Rocketman will be out in theatres on May 31.
