Taron Egerton Meet The Rocketman!

The Star Reveals the Pressure of Playing an Icon

Being Robin Hood, a super-spy and a screwball ski jumper is one thing, but when it comes to being scared, Elton John’s glitzy glasses and wacky wardrobe was enough to frighten Taron Egerton. While playing the legendary rock’n’roller was an easy choice for the Eddie the Eagle star, stepping into Elton’s shoes – platform or not – was quite another thing.

Rocketman (which hits cinemas on May 30) tells the story of Elton’s early life in London, his attempts to make it as a musician, his successful partnership with songwriter Bernie Taupin and his emergence as one of the most talented performers of his generation.

Taron, 29, was personally hand-picked by Elton and his long-time partner David Furnish – who both rocked the Cannes red carpet with the star – for the lead in Rocketman. Having sung for his animal role in the animated film Sing, the British-born actor leapt at the chance to add a musical to his varied résumé – just as he grabbed his moment alongside Elton on Oscar night this year.

Here, Taron talks about his scary but wonderful ride with Rocketman, living up to a legend and playing a small part in Elton’s legacy that was crafted by the man himself !

It’s hard to tell which pictures are Elton and which are the actor as Taron completely committed to the transformation. ‘I did dreadful things to my hair,’ Taron reveals. ‘It also took some great make-up work, and I found costume was a big part of it. ‘Elton’s flamboyant dress sense, his sense of style, all of that made me feel quite like him,’ Taron adds. ‘There’s something about wearing those crazy outlandish costumes that makes you feel strong.’

What can you tell us about Rocketman and playing Elton?