Matthew Vaughn, who is co-producing the upcoming Elton John biopicRocketmanalongside Paramount Pictures, has described the movie as “the first R-rated musical,” including “drugs, sex, [and] rock’n’roll.” Matthew Vaughn’s production company Marv Studios will have a big hand in the upcoming biopic, and given a number of their previous movies such asKingsman, it’s understandable that this movie will be raunchy.
Vaughn’s description ofRocketmanbeing the “first R-rated musical” isn’t entirely true, unfortunately. There have already been a number of R-rated musicals over the years, including serious ones likeSweeney ToddandPurple Rain, along with comedies likeTenacious D in The Pick of DestinyandThe Blues Brothers. Regardless, Vaughn’s message comes across clear thatRocketmanwill be like no other musical we’ve seen before. While it won’t technically be the first R-rated musical, it will most likely be the first of its kind.
Rocketmanis set to star Taron Egerton, who has previously starred in other Marv productions such as theKingsmanfranchise andEddie the Eagle. Egerton is not just a great choice for the role due to his impressive resume, but also due to the fact that he has worked withElton Johnin the past. Both Taron Egerton and Elton John acted together inKingsman: The Golden Circle, so their connection may be helpful for Egerton when trying to get into the role. It’s a lot easier for an actor to play someone they’ve already met rather than someone they’ve never met before in their life, which is why a number of biopic stars are set up to meet with the people who they are portraying before production, assuming they are still alive.
Like Egerton,Rocketman’s director Dexter Fletcher has a long history with Matthew Vaughn and Marv Studios. Fletcher played a supporting villain role in the firstKick-Assmovie in 2010, and later went on to directEddie the Eagleunder Marv. WhileRocketmanwill only be the fourth movie for Fletcher to direct, his experience with both Marv and actor Taron Egerton should be enough to make him the perfect fit for the position.
Biopics about famous singers have become a bit more popular lately, withBohemian Rhapsodyexpected to be a huge hit later this year.Bohemian Rhapsodywill follow the lead singer of Queen Freddy Mercury throughout his career. Assuming thatBohemian Rhapsodydoes as well as people are anticipating it to at the box office, there’s a good chance thatRocketmanwill manage to be a success as well.
All in all, co-producer Matthew Vaughn’s brief description ofRocketmanin his interview with Empire only shows good things for the upcoming Elton John biopic. Elton John had a wild career, and it’s great to know that the movie about him will not be holding back. While the lack of boundaries ofRocketmanmay be enough to make some people not want to see it, there are surely a number of Elton John fans who are excited to see all of the sex, drugs and rock’n’roll in the upcoming biopic.Rocketmanis slated to release in theaters June 20, 2025.
