First announced back in 2011, the Elton John biopic Rocketman has found a director in Michael Gracey. Deadline reports that the commercials helmer will take on the project, working from a script by Lee Hall (Billy Elliot, War Horse).
The film is said to combine the true story of John’s life with fantastical elements from his songs. It will begin with the artist’s life at age 11, continuing through adulthood with his songs providing musical backing.
The use of magical realism in biopics has been employed quite a bit in recent years, including in the Allen Ginsberg film Howl and the Bob Dylan-focused I’m Not There.
Gracey is separately attached to additional biopics including The Muppet Man, which follows the life of Jim Henson, and The Greatest Showman on Earth, which has Hugh Jackman attached to play P.T. Barnum.
(Photo Credit: WENN.com)
