Watch Taron Egerton as Elton John in First Rocketman Teaser

Watch Taron Egerton as Elton John in First Rocketman Teaser

Paramount Pictures has released the first teaser trailer for Sir Elton John biopic Rocketman.

The film follows the rise of John from his time at the Royal Academy of Music to achieving—and surviving—fame. The teaser follows the release of the first images of the film—showing Taron Egerton (Kingsman) as John—last week.

The trailer opens with the famed opening piano from “Benny & The Jets.” Clips roll showcasing both the glamour and tragedy of ‘70s rock ‘n’ roll, with Egerton sporting flamboyant costumes, doing drugs and, of course, crafting the music that would one day fill arenas. A slow and slightly ominous voiceover kicks in: “There are moments in a rock star’s life that define who he is. Where there was darkness there is now you, and it’s going to be a wild ride.” This is the first glimpse of Richard Madden (Game of Thrones) as John Reid, John’s partner and manager, who otherwise only makes a brief appearance in the teaser.

“Benny & The Jets” transforms into “Rocket Man,” and the first view of Egerton performing as the legendary rocker—and singing all of the original vocals—is revealed. As Egerton performs the track, the crowd and eventually the rock icon are both floating. Distinguishing the rock biopic from others is its fantasy elements (according to Egerton, these elements are exactly why it’s not a biopic, but instead a “fantasy musical”), at which this clip hints.

The trailer concludes, declaring that the film is “based on a true fantasy.” The film was directed by Dexter Fletcher and is due out on May 31, 2019.

Check out the trailer for Rocketman below and hear John perform the eponymous song circa 1986 further down.

 
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