Elton John and Rocketman get standing ovation at Cannes premiere

By MiNDFOOD

Elton John and Taron Egerton at screening of Screening of Rocketman at Cannes
72nd Cannes Film Festival - Photocall for the film "Rocketman" out of competition - Cannes, France, May 16, 2019. Singer and producer Elton John and cast member Taron Egerton pose during a photocall for the film "Rocketman" out of competition. REUTERS/Regis Duvignau - UP1EF5G0X51HN
It was a case of farewell yellow brick road, hello Cannes red carpet as Sir Elton John made an appearance at the film festival as part of his extended global farewell tour to attend the premiere of Rocketman.

Rocketman took flight on Thursday night with a world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, drawing a four-minute standing ovation for Paramount’s US$41 million biopic of Elton John, starring Taron Egerton. 

Sir Elton John was all smiled on the Cannes red carpet as he posed alongside Rocketman lead Egerton – who plays a younger version of the British hitmaker – and is being positioned as an awards contender for the Golden Globes.

Elton John and Taron Egerton at screening of Screening of Rocketman at Cannes
Cast member Taron Egerton and singer and producer Elton John pose during a photocall for Rocketman. Photo Credit: REUTERS/Regis Duvignau

John characteristically was in more flamboyant attire than his fellow attendees, with the musician dressed in a tuxedo emblazoned with sequins spelling out the film’s title (and name of John’s 1972 hit). He stood out too at the film’s photo call, where he sported a powder blue suit and matching glasses.

Elton John and Taron Egerton at screening of Screening of Rocketman at Cannes
Screening of Rocketman – out of competition – Red Carpet Arrivals – Cannes, France, May 16, 2019. Taron Egerton, Elton John and David Furnish are seen from the back. Photo Credit: REUTERS/Stephane Mahe

Paramount has touted Rocketman, directed by Dexter Fletcher as an “uncensored” look at John’s early career. 

During the Cannes premiere, the audience broke into spontaneous applause during the performances of “Your Song” and “I’m Still Standing.” Following the showing, John and Egerton were moved to tears by the audience and embraced. Fletcher later took to the microphone and thanked the crowd for their response, saying, “We’re absolutely blown away by your fantastic reception.”

John has previously praised Egerton’s portrayal in the film, particularly Egerton’s decision to perform all the songs himself. “It’s not Bohemian Rhapsody where the brilliant Rami Malek, who played Freddie, lip synched. You’re actually doing the whole thing,” he told Egerton in an interview with Beats 1 radio.

Egerton was joined at the event by his co-stars Richard Madden, Bryce Dallas Howard and Kit Connor, as well as composer Giles Martin and producer Adam Bohling.

Elton John and Taron Egerton at screening of Screening of Rocketman at Cannes
Photo Credit: REUTERS/Regis Duvignau

Watch the Rocketman trailer here.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE

Print Recipe

BECOME A MiNDFOOD SUBSCRIBER TODAY

Let us keep you up to date with our weekly MiNDFOOD e-newsletters which include the weekly menu plan, health and news updates or tempt your taste buds with the MiNDFOOD Daily Recipe. 

Member Login