Rocketman (2019) is the epic musical fantasy about Elton John's breakthrough years, and it still matters because it never tried to be a straight biopic. Billed from the start as a fantasy musical rather than a literal retelling of his life, the film turns Elton's rise into something dreamlike — staging his most famous songs as full-blown fantasy set pieces. Starring Taron Egerton in a career-defining performance, it remains the definitive screen take on the Rocket Man's own journey. (For the real-life story behind the legend, see our Elton John biography.)
Movie Facts
Title: Rocketman (2019)
Release Date: May 31, 2019 (North America; UK release May 2019)
Director: Dexter Fletcher
Writer: Lee Hall (Billy Elliot, War Horse)
Cast: Taron Egerton (Elton John), Jamie Bell (Bernie Taupin), Richard Madden (John Reid), Bryce Dallas Howard (Sheila)
Studio: Paramount Pictures
Genre: Epic musical fantasy
Soundtrack & Music
The film takes its name from Elton John's 1972 hit "Rocket Man" and follows his journey from shy piano prodigy Reginald Dwight to international superstar. (See our Rocket Man lyrics — Elton John post for the story behind the song.)
Rather than lip-syncing to the original recordings, Taron Egerton performs Elton's songs himself throughout the film — including beloved classics like "Tiny Dancer" and "Your Song" (our Your Song lyrics — Elton John page has the full words). The soundtrack album, Rocketman: Music from the Motion Picture, was released on May 24, 2019 with 22 tracks performed by the film's cast — overwhelmingly by Egerton himself.
The one place you hear Elton John's actual voice is the closing original number, "(I'm Gonna) Love Me Again," a duet between Egerton and Elton himself. Written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin for the film, the song went on to win the 2019 Golden Globe and the 2020 Academy Award for Best Original Song — while Egerton took home the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy. The film had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival on May 16, 2019, earning a four-minute standing ovation.
A fun link for film fans: director Dexter Fletcher stepped in to complete Bohemian Rhapsody (2018) after Bryan Singer's departure, so the two music biopics are directly connected. Commercially, Rocketman was a winner too — reported figures put its worldwide box office at about $167 million against a $40 million budget.
Watch the Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Rocketman released?
Rocketman premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on May 16, 2019 and opened in North American theaters on May 31, 2019 (the UK release followed in May 2019).
Does Taron Egerton really sing in Rocketman?
Yes — Egerton performs Elton John's songs himself throughout the film, including "Tiny Dancer" and "Your Song." Elton John's own voice is heard only in the closing duet "(I'm Gonna) Love Me Again."
Who plays Bernie Taupin and John Reid?
Jamie Bell plays lyricist Bernie Taupin, Elton's longtime songwriting partner, while Richard Madden plays manager John Reid.
What awards did Rocketman win?
"(I'm Gonna) Love Me Again" won the Golden Globe (2019) and the Academy Award (2020) for Best Original Song, and Taron Egerton won the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy.
For another music-driven movie guide, see our A Star Is Born (2018) movie post.
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