Tom Hardy to Play Sir Elton John in Upcoming Biopic ROCKETMAN

After a lengthy casting search, Tom Hardy is officially set to play Sir Elton John in the upcoming biopic ROCKETMAN, it was announced today by producers.

Much like the man himself, Rocketman is a larger-than-life movie musical spectacle that tells the story of a child prodigy turned music legend. Elton will re-record many of his iconic hits to parallel the emotional beats of the film that will have audiences on their feet, singing along to his much loved music.

"Tom is a stellar talent who will add extraordinary depth and nuance in bringing Elton's story to life," said Rocket Pictures CEO Steve Hamilton Shaw. "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."

Rocketman is produced by Steve Hamilton Shaw and David Furnish of Rocket Pictures and Lawrence Bender on behalf of AI Film, the film production and financing company created out of the acquisition of Icon by Len Blavatnik's Access Industries. Sir Elton John and Len Blavatnik are executive producing, along with AI Film CEO Aviv Giladi and Focus Features CEO Peter Schlessel. UTA Independent Film Group arranged financing for the project and negotiated the project's sale to FilmDistrict. Good Universe is handling international sales.

Rocketman will be directed by Michael Gracey (Fox's upcoming The Greatest Showman on Earth starring Hugh Jackman, and Disney's The Muppet Man). The original screenplay is written by Academy Award nominee Lee Hall (War Horse, Billy Elliot).

British actor Hardy will next be seen in Steve Knight's Locke and in the reboot of theMad Max franchise for Warner Bros. and George Miller. Hardy recently wrappedChild 44 with director Daniel Espinosa and Animal Rescue for director Michael Roskam. He most recently starred in The Dark Knight Rises and previously worked with director Chris Nolan on Inception. His credits include Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy,Bronson and Warrior. He is represented by CAA, Lindy King at United Agents and attorney Jason Sloane.

"Tom is a stellar talent who will add extraordinary depth and nuance in bringing Elton's story to life," said Rocket Pictures CEO Steve Hamilton Shaw. "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."

ROCKETMAN will begin filming in Fall 2014.