With directorDexter Fletcher’sRocketmanopening in theaters this weekend, I recently sat down withRichard Maddento talk about making the fantasy musical based on the life ofElton John. As most of you knowfrom the trailers,Rocketmanisn’t your convention biopic. Yes, you’ll see how John (Taron Egerton) and his writing partnerBernie Taupin(Jamie Bell) came up with some of their iconic songs, and the film does include a few of the tropes you see in all movies based on someone’s life. ButRocketmanalso stages these elaborate musical sequences set to John’s most beloved songs that exist in their own reality. For more on the film, you may read Greg Ellwood’sreview from Cannes.Rocketmanalso stars Richard Madden as Elton’s first manager,John Reid, andBryce Dallas Howardas Elton’s motherSheila Farebrother.
During my interview with Richard Madden he talked about how he got ready to play the role, how he formed such great chemistry with Taron Egerton, a day he’ll always remember from filming, deleted scenes, and more. In addition, for fans of the great seriesBodyguard(which is now streaming on Netflix), Madden talked about when he’s like to return and play the character of Richard Budd again.
Check out what he had to say in the player above and below is exactly what we talked about.
Richard Madden:
Here is the official synopsis forRocketman:
ROCKETMAN is an epic musical fantasy about the incredible human story of Elton John’s breakthrough years. The film follows the fantastical journey of transformation from shy piano prodigy Reginald Dwight into international superstar Elton John. This inspirational story – set to Elton John’s most beloved songs and performed by star Taron Egerton – tells the universally relatable story of how a small-town boy became one of the most iconic figures in pop culture.
