Tom Hardy was dropped from Rocketman because he was ‘too old’
Tom Hardy has spoken about hooking up with men in the past. (Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty)
Rocketman producer Matthew Vaughn has revealed that Tom Hardy was originally set to play Elton John in the biopic, but was ultimately dropped because he was “too old.”
Vaughn told The Hollywood Reporter that he offered to produce the film—which was facing challenges in getting off the ground—but was on the fence about Hardy taking the lead role.
“I really think Tom Hardy is one of the best actors, but I felt he was too old for the role,” Vaughn said.
Matthew Vaughn had reservations about Tom Hardy lip-syncing in Rocketman
He also said he had reservations about plans for Hardy to lip-sync in the film. He felt that Taron Egerton would be a better fit as he was younger and had the vocal ability.
“When they heard Taron sing, it was like a no brainer. They were like, ‘OK, he’s unbelievable.’”
Egerton’s casting in Rocketman was helped along when he met Elton John and his husband while filming Kinsman: The Golden Circle.
“I really think Tom Hardy is one of the best actors, but I felt he was too old for the role.”
– Producer Matthew Vaughn
David Furnish, John’s husband and partner for 26 years, said: “Elton and I were like, ‘Wow, this guy is really handsome and has a real striking presence.’ We took a real shine to him.”
Taron Egerton playing Elton John in Rocketman (YouTube)
Elsewhere in the interview, Vaughn suggested that the film was originally set to be made by Universal, but the studio was unhappy with scenes depicting drug-use and gay sex. Vaughn said the studio balked at the idea of an R-rated big-budget film.
Rocketman will tell the story of Elton John’s rise to fame in the 1970s
Rocketman, which is due for release in the UK on May 24, will tell the story of Elton John’s rise to fame in the 1970s. It will also delve into his drug addiction and his struggle in coming to terms with his sexuality.
Speaking in March, Egerton said the film will make Elton John look “quite ugly at times.”
He said the film begins with the pop-star going into rehab “in a real bad way” to get help for his addiction.
He said that it will depict the pop star as “broken and damaged” and praised Elton John for allowing them to show him at his “most vulnerable.”
“I think it’s right at the heart of what makes Rocketman quite special,” Egerton said.
He continued: “It’s also a story about someone who was not well becoming well.”
