"It's interesting and frankly a little disheartening to know and begin to get an understanding of the mechanics of what embracing someone's sexuality in a film of this level does to its global box office and how it performs in certain territories," Egerton says. You cant shun him because shunning him means that you will burn up your fuse out there alone. Audiences didn't dislike Age of Ultron as much as the media/pundit class did, so Civil War wasn't considered as huge of an upswing in perceived quality. Its lead starinsert shady eyes emojiis heard doing his own singing in the final film version. Taron Egerton. So far, Egerton has starred in the Kingsman movies, Robin Hood, and Rocketman, which saw him take home some of the biggest awards in entertainment, including a Golden Globe. Journalists even speculated that Taron Egerton was homosexual, but the actor promptly debunked the accusations. (Rocketman director Dexter Fletcher, above with Egerton on set, was also tapped to finish up Rhapsody after Bryan Singer's exit. Taron Egerton did not play the piano exclusively in Rocketman, but the practice was necessary even then. The role of Eggsy in the Kingsman franchise was a huge boost to his blossoming career. Theyre very warm and generous and open. He enjoys talking about the experience now, with enough remove from the cannon-blast of press when the film premiered. Egerton revealed in an interview with Entertainment Weekly that he did not play the piano in the film, but he did receive piano lessons in preparation for the role. The Idol: How HBOs Next Euphoria Became Twisted Torture Porn Both Egerton and Elton share a lot in common, including their love of cars, and we believe that their friendship is a testament to the power of connection. Rocketman is currently playing in theaters throughout the United Kingdom and around the world. Call 896 6000. It's going to be compromised by all of the paraphernalia of filmmaking. With a Wednesday gross of $1.17 million (-26% from last Wednesday), Dexter Fletcher's Rocketman has crossed the $70 million mark at the domestic box office. "I've never poured so much of myself into something. Egerton has sung on stage with John a number of times now, going back to last year's Oscar party to benefit the Elton John AIDS Foundation, where they performed "Tiny Dancer," up through last month's show at the Greek, where they belted out "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" and "(I'm Gonna) Love Me Again," the new Taupin-penned duet John and Egerton sing over the Rocketman credits (coming soon to a Best Song nomination near you). This is a BETA experience. Rocketman - Your Song Sing-Along (Taron Egerton as Elton John - YouTube While it is known that Elton John is a highly accomplished pianist, it is not clear who played the piano on any given track. Theres this phrase that Im going to paraphrase: Bored people are boring and interesting people are really fucking interested, he says. Watch on. PREVIEW. After the premiere screening of "Rocketman" wrapped on Thursday evening, Egerton was spotted in the audience crying as viewers rose from their chairs to give the actor a massive standing ovation. The actor admitted that playing John was an intimidating experience. It was not a by-the-numbers biopic with a mimic lead performance. Rocketman review: nearly as shiny and spectacular as its subject - Vox His essence is as if a kaleidoscope exploded into a person: trippy, messy, hypnotizing, bright, garish, and altogether unique and fabulous. Egerton attended elementary school at Llanfairpwllgwyngyll, Anglesey, Wales. The film's first single, Rocketman, has been released. That rock-bottom moment provides the film's frame, which means this is more than just a paint-by-numbers saunter . By Clicking "Subscribe" you agree to have read the. "And Taron came down one day and sat on the front lawn of our house, on a nice . Taron Egerton Reveals How Elton John Helped Him Prepare for Rocketman The film shows a first kiss, John losing his virginity, even a drug-fueled writhing sea of mostly-naked bodies. It was a celebration with nostalgic significance for . Tom Sizemore, Heat and Saving Private Ryan Actor, Dead at 61 Copyright 2023 Penske Business Media, LLC. For Rocketman, Egerton learned enough piano to passably play in John's style, or look like it, but was adamant about singing his way through every take of every scene, even when it was clear they'd need to blend together what was captured on set with studio sessions. Also, over the past few months, Elton and I have had this incredible experience of performing together. 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Ultimately it's more a sweeping series of musical-fantasy sequences than a faithfully realistic biopic, and by most accounts, John was less involved in the daily work than Furnish. Rocketman's Taron Egerton Spent A Ton Of Time Learning Piano Yet Bohemian Rhapsody grossed that much money, and won that many awards. ", One major differentiation is Egerton's singing; the other is in Rocketman's direct, tender approach to Elton John's sexual awakening. DID WE MAKE A MISTAKE? I would argue it would not have felt quite as effectively.. Ive done some nudity, but never a love scene. After selling over 250 million albums worldwide, the singer returns to the musical inspiration for a performance at a tribute concert for Leon Russell. "Until I saw the final cut of the movie, I never really relaxed," says Egerton, who was particularly worried that the intimate scenes between his and Madden's character would be edited out. He and costar Richard Madden, who plays John's first boyfriend and eventual manager, John Reid, gamely teased each other in marathon junket sessions and promotional stunts. A graduate of NYU's Tisch School of the Arts, he lives in Brooklyn, where he can be found DJing '60s soul records. How Taron Egerton's Rocketman role became a lifelong gig | EW.com says the actress. We love the songs. Now that "Rocketman" has rocketed off to worldwide box-office earnings of more than $134 million, Taron Egerton, who plays Elton John in the musical biopic and worked tirelessly to promote the . At the age of 11, he received a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music for his talents. We got on with it and we did our job. Im going to lie down for a really long time (laughs) and enjoy my summer. He defines himself as a working-class man. Fletcher has gone on record saying that, while he made sure to do the best job he could in the stressful and rushed Bohemian Rhapsody situation, he was not emotionally attached to it.. Egerton is in the same Oscars conversation as the likes of Joaquin Phoenix, Adam Driver, Leonardo DiCaprio, Antonio Banderas, Christian Bale, and Eddie Murphy, hoping to score his first nomination. I want to be a good actor first.". Everything we cant stop loving, hating, and thinking about this week in pop culture. After casting, Egerton was invited to visit the house John, 72, shares with his husband David Furnish, 56, and their two sons, sons Zachary, 8, and Elijah, 6. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. He was named one of GQs 50 best-dressed British men in 2015 and 2016. Download Best WordPress Themes Free Download. With an R rating and a studio willing to stick to that creative decision Rocketman skipped opening in China entirely. With 'Rocketman's' success, what Taron Egerton plans to do next "I was most proud of the work that was characterized by being only really suitable for an older viewer," Egerton says. When fans ask why he sings so well on piano, they are interested in knowing if he really knows how to play it. We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. We dont replicate Eltons costumes or songs exactly. Its a story about a man whos not well becoming well, and I think it was a moving experience for him. In the film, he plays a part in a talent show. So when there were reports that Paramount was considering cutting down or excising that love scene, the first in a studio movie pitched at a mass audience, the reaction was livid. Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures (Original Song), Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role, Outstanding Achievement in Casting - Big Budget Feature - Comedy, Outstanding Achievement in Sound Mixing for Motion Pictures - Live Action, Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy, Best Compilation Soundtrack For Visual Media, Best Period and/or Character Makeup - Feature-Length Motion Picture, Best Special Makeup Effects - Feature-Length Motion Picture, Best Period and/or Character Hair Styling - Feature-Length Motion Picture, Outstanding Achievement in Sound Editing - Musical for Feature Film, Outstanding Achievement in Sound Editing - Dialogue and ADR for Feature Film, Best Actor in a Motion Picture, Comedy or Musical. There were still liabilities to following Bohemian Rhapsody so closelyspecifically, the aftermath of outrage at the ways the film not only blushed at the idea of showing Mercury in the throes of passion with other men but treated his sexuality as a predatory gateway drug to a destructive lifestyle. The answer to this and other questions can be found below. Rocketman - Awards - IMDb In areas where the actor was not performing, he had to learn to make it seem like he was, which needed additional instruction. He is a Welsh actor and singer. Other stars in the film include Bryce Dallas Howard, Richard Madden, and Jamie Bell. Yeah, I still listen to the songs for pleasure, which is a testament to how wonderful they are. Thats interesting because Elton is told that line by an extraordinarily talented performer. I did all of my own singing, Egerton said. It was a brilliant idea to have Taron play Elton, says Rocketman director Dexter Fletcher. There is a huge demographic of general moviegoers who are more-than-old-enough to see an R-rated movie in a theater but generally would prefer not to. Over the years, we have been providing quality content, commentaries, opinions and insights on arts and music. The glamorous life of an actor. Do You Know Gwendolyn Lizarraga Net Worth, Biography, Career? How, then, to explain what Taron Egerton accomplishes in Rocketman? Three hours a day, five days a week, for eight weeks, pencils out to 120 hours of practice at the piano, plus whatever else the teacher student did during production. Do You Know Zenaida Moya Net Worth, Biography, Career? Many things. That were still talking about his performance is both a testament to his work and a feat of longevity. Its clear that Egerton had a blast playing John, and hes said that it was one of the most fun roles hes ever had the chance to play. Did Taron Egerton Sing Elton John's Songs in Rocketman? - Town & Country He repaid the gift by dressing in drag with his girlfriend, then leaving a Polaroid of the look in John and Furnish's guest book at their house in France. Rocketman (I) (2019) Awards. The Welsh actor will be in charge of playing the legendary singer in this film. Meanwhile, Taron is earning critical praise in director Dexter Fletchers Rocketman, which also features Jamie Bell (Bernie Taupin) and Richard Madden (John Reid). I always was probably frankly slightly paranoid about those parts of the story being filleted in the editing room or gradually being removed from the script over the course of the shoot. Taron is a variant of the Welsh word taran, which means thunder. Egertons family-owned and operated bed and breakfast. Based on the life and career of singer Elton John (played by Taron Egerton), the film focuses on his early years. Taron Egertons portrayal of Elton John in Rocketman was simply stunning. This was an enormous source of anxiety to me I believed that it would work, but I wasn't certain of it. Powered by InsiderPeeps. Yes, of course. In the films centerpiece scene, Egerton as John sings the title song before 50,000 people at L.A.s Dodger Stadium, the biggest solo show anyone had ever done up to that point. He received recognition for his roles in Smoke and the 2014 action comedy picture Kingsman: The Secret Service. The Secret Service. Egerton has the same charisma and enthusiasm as he does when he plays an actor. Its something hes never heard before. Looking back on his life, Taron Egerton seemed destined to portray Sir Elton Hercules John in Rocketman the new based on a true fantasy musical biopic. I wanted to perform it myself because I enjoy the song and wanted to do justice to it. The comparisons between the two films were inevitable, considering both centered on the lives of gay 70s British rock icons and were released so close together; Rocketmans Cannes premiere came less than three months after Rami Malek wrapped up his Oscars speech for playing Freddie Mercury. The ability of Egerton to capture the essence of the late Sir Elton John was a tribute to his dedication to the role, according to Roberts. Elton Johns early influences paved the way for his incredible career. Before Sharing Underwear Snap, Elton John Celebrates 75th Birthday with Sweet Message from Husband David Furnish: 'Glorious, Loving, Kind', 50 Years of 'Rocket Man': Inside the Song That's Sustained Elton John's Stardom for a 'Long, Long Time', Elton John and David Furnish's Cutest Family Photos, Jamie Lee Curtis, Lorraine Bracco, Taron Egerton and More React to Ray Liotta's Death: 'Shattered', Elton John Adds 11 New U.S. I pulled a moony to the crew at the start of the day just to kill some of the tension. Elton John was Stunned by Taron Egerton's 'Rocketman - IndieWire They were PG13, we are an R. Thats not to say that there isnt crossover. Garry Eggsy Unwin, Harry Harts (Colin Firth) young protg, was played by Matthew Vaughn in Kingsman: The Secret Service and Kingsman: The Golden Circle. Were extremely excited for the premiere of Rocketman at the 2020 Academy Awards because itll be directed by Taron Egerton. Rocketman (Music from the Motion Picture) - Apple Music Illumination had success already, and the studio was hopeful that this film would be their next major hit. It would seem absurd to expect the same thing from a movie about Johns life that includes the phrase, I have fucked everything that moves. John himself has said the reason it took so long for the film to materialize was because he refused to water down his life. It should have been his crowning achievement, but just days before John had tried to take his own life. It seems like it was just yesterday that the actor was making waves as the new kid on the block, but these days, he is a household name who is capable of turning heads with his acting abilities. He was in that scene playing organ, and he just called me up to go and have a chat with him. The chance to meet the legend in the flesh proved to be a very, very, very surreal experience.. Rocketman begins with him singing underwater at the bottom of a pool, where he would remain with a dive team for up to 20 minutes between takes of him trying to sing without water shooting up his nose. How Much Did Taron Egerton Get Paid For Rocketman? There's just something and it's not really something that you can define". Dora and the City of Lost Gold is a coin toss, Crawl is a pure genre play and both Will Smith's Gemini Man and Blake Lively's Rhythm Section look like prime candidates for audiences who claim to want original or high concept movies for adults to ignore while complaining that Hollywood doesn't make anything for them anymore. Taron Egerton addresses rumours he is in the running to play James Bond Excerpts from our interview with Taron in London: What is it about playing Elton John that surprised you? Taron Egerton plays the role of Reggie in the clip above, which depicts him sitting at a Yamaha grand piano and arguing with his music teacher, Helen Piena (Harriet Walter), while preparing for a major performance. Your subscription could not be saved. Taron Egerton plays Elton John in Rocketman, a biopic about the Rockstar. The film begins with Elton John bursting through the door of a recovery meeting in a flaming-red bodysuit with flared bell bottoms, a headpiece with devil horns, heart-shaped sunglasses, and a pair of massive wings looming behind him, a preview of the runway of campy, glam-rock couture to come in the filmall perfect homages to the many looks sported by John over the years. How Taron Egerton Became Elton John - AMC Theatres Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer & other 70+ titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to the news, download as early as 4am & share articles on social media. The actor enters awards season as not only Elton John's stand-in but now also a close friend and an accomplished singer. Do you still sing or listen to Eltons songs? Despite not playing the piano or singing like Elton John himself, Taron Egerton did an amazing job portraying the iconic musician in Rocketman. "Filmmaking is inherently a collaborative medium, and to over-prepare to the point where it becomes slightly manufactured that could be the death of the performance," he says. Because Elton was not at peace with who he was, he has lived through some real rejection during those years when he was most fragile and tender. Next: This Four-Year-Old 'Modern Family' Cast Member Was Able To Double Her Salary. When you get to the end of your teens, youre not like, Thats the end of my teens! Youre like, Yeah! David Appleby/Paramount Pictures. "I mean, there's no two ways about it," Egerton says in a new EW interview for The Awardist podcast. Actor Taron Egerton had some big, . "Sitting next to Elton, watching Taron, and Elton squeezing me rather hard with his . "It's not intended to be a carbon copy performance of who Elton is. Theres a world in which Elton maybe shouldnt have taken him too seriously (laughs). Thats the whole point of Elton John being Elton John. Elton John appears in the film as a character actor. Elton John saw something special in Taron Egerton from the beginning! From Austin Butler and Cate Blanchett to a potential Best Supporting Actress toss-up, see who EW thinks will win at the 2023 Oscars. Rocketman, which John and Furnish spent over a decade trying to bring to the screen, could have easily suffered from its subject being too close to both the story and its star. The deluge of pre-release controversies helped keep Bohemian Rhapsody in the press. 2023 Oscars predictions: See who will win at the 95th Academy Awards. Rocketman will be in British cinemas on May 24, 2019. Related: Harrison Ford Made A Shockingly Low Salary Of $1,000 Per Week For This Film. Its feeling a little sugar-coatedalthough it was already pretty sugar-coated at the time., Theres a bit of a wince when he jokes about the big, scary birthday and turning 30. This all puts more pressure on the Tim Miller-directed and James Cameron-produced Terminator: Dark Fate, which may revive the franchise but may also be the third failed attempt to reboot it. Its only when he finds the strength within him in the last act of the movie to finally accept that self, that hes able to achieve redemption. "If I learned an instrument and in 10 years I felt that I was proficient enough to write some music, then of course I would entertain the idea [of an album]. How Taron Egerton Transformed Into Elton John for 'Rocketman' "And I will not get to 40 without having done it, because if I do it now and put my mind to it, in three years I could potentially be singing and accompany myself. And that was absolutely the best [reaction] it could have been. ), "Bohemian Rhapsody was great, and I thought Rami Malek, who's a friend of mine, was phenomenal in the role [of Freddie Mercury]," Egerton says. Did he enjoy playing the music icon? Egerton told Collider before filming began that he planned on singing alone and did an excellent job. It's not fair, but considering Paramount's current struggles, Rocketman really needed to be an ace in the hole. Director-producer Matthew Vaughn was editing Kingsman: The Golden Circle when Furnish mentioned that the couple was having a hard time getting a film about John off the ground, with studios giving feedback variations of too expensive or too gritty as the project sat in gestation. Inside Elton John and Taron Egerton's Emotional Rocketman Premiere at We are, sure, celebrating a pop stars life, but we are also celebrating a standard bearer of that communitys life. The wicked sense of humor they shared made them fast friends, but Egertons electrifying cover of Im Still Standing in the animated feature Sing set him apart from other contenders (namely Tom Hardy) to play John in the long-discussed film. Photo: MovieStillsDB It's 10 months into 2020 and Taron Egerton still can't iron his clothes properly. Despite the exposure, he chooses not to discuss his romantic relationships. Get your karaoke on and sing-along with Elton John (Taron Egerton) to the iconic pop track, Your Song, . 4:30. When Egertons parents split when he was two, he went to Anglesey, a Welsh island, with his mother. The piano-playing. Taron Egerton has ruled himself out of the running to play the next James Bond, suggesting 007 filmmakers have "already got someone, and it's not me" The Golden Globe-winning actor, 33, has been among the names thought to be under consideration to play Bond since he starred in the Kingsmen . It has just become a very normal thing now, being a part of Elton's life, and David and the boys, their sons.". "Rocketman works and thrives when it feels like it's existing in a realm that isn't quite our world. Julian Day, who Ive worked with before, is an extraordinarily gifted designer. It did not sanitize its subjects sexuality and legacy or play down any of the sex, drugs, and rock and roll in order to appease studios and make the film more palatable for a mainstream audience. If youre a pianist, the easiest Elton John song to play is 4- Rocket Man. Looking back on his life, Taron Egerton seemed destined to portray Sir Elton Hercules John in Rocketman the new "based on a true fantasy" musical biopic . Related: Dwayne Johnson's Film Debut Salary Broke A Guinness World Record. He had this wicked sense of humor and hes very irreverent, but then he can be so, so sweet and vulnerable and kind. It has also led me to explore some of his more obscure album tracks. But we stuck our flag in the sand, the director says. Hes a once-in-a-lifetimehell, probably once everbeamed-from-another-planet personality, talent, raconteur, and renegade. Oh, thatd be super fun. Of course, there is no way to talk about the exceptional work that Egerton has turned in without taking some time to focus on his work in the Sing franchise. The actor stated in an interview that he recently suffered from loneliness but that he is now pleased since he is dating a young lady. The music is now always going to be something extra special and important. Audiences (and awards groups) liked or loved Bohemian Rhapsody because it was a glossy, energetic and genuinely cinematic rock opera that doubled as a biopic with a stellar lead performance (Rami Malek) and a toe-tapping jukebox musical/concert flick filled with Queen music. "I think you accept me as him quite quickly and you invest in the character of Elton John, which is informed and determined and inspired by and in homage to him, but is ultimately my creation," he says. Rocketman is now streaming on Netflix UK and Ireland. "And it seems to heighten peoples' response to and affection for him.". Dates to Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour: 'I Cherish These Memories'. "My voice gets deeper over the course of the film, and my accent changes. Its, of course, hard work. Do You Know Sandra Mason Net Worth, Biography, Career? "Taron Egerton plays Elton John in Rocketman from Paramount Pictures. We want to hear it. Taron Egerton looking sharp in Kingsman: The Golden Circle. What Men Want earned a solid $72 million on a $20 million budget, butWonder Parkflopped hard and (likeRocketman) thePet Semetaryremake felt like a let down because it didn't really break out ($121 million on a $21 million budget). Peter is very much interested in cultural practices around the world including music, history, languages, literature, religion and social structures. "Maybe Sing 3, but it wasnt in this one and a lot of people have been saying that and Im like thats right, Buster Moon should sing, whistle, diddy, hum, dance, something. Elton John Chose To Cast Taron Egerton In 'Rocketman' After Role In I didnt really know the song Hercules before the movie. He is a Welsh actor and singer. Copyright 2020. They have a beautiful home and theyre beautiful people, says Egerton. And I think if I don't do myself the service of spending time learning that skill, then I'm an idiot.". The voice of Taron Egerton is spot-on, and the films authenticity is enhanced even more by his performance as Rocketman. We are the go to news media platform of people who would like to find the latest trends in the entertainment industry. "Rocketman" begins with him singing underwater at the bottom of a pool, where he would. Egerton has done a bit of everything in film and television, though it has been his work on the big screen that has earned him the most acclaim. Taron Egerton plays Elton John in Rocketman from Paramount Pictures. Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. What do you plan to do next? He spent a portion of his teenage in the Wirral Peninsula. Send us a tip using our anonymous form. And because he was moved, I was moved, and we all got a little teary.. . Hes a very unusual character and he has a lot of contradictions, says Egerton. think piece sandbox. Other performers who come in just below him and just above Egerton include Reese Witherspoon and Scarlett Johansson, who will be making $700,000 and $550,000, respectively.