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.
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.
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.
Watch the Rocketman trailer here.