Tom Hardy Takes On His Most Surprising Lead Role Yet

The Dark Knight Rises actor is set to play Sir Elton John in the movie biopic of his life.

Tom Hardy is set to star as legendary singer Sir Elton John in the upcoming film biopic about his life, Rocketman.

The 36-year-old British actor, whose steady rise to fame skyrocketed when he starred as Bane in The Dark Knight Rises last year, has showcased his manly brawn and tough guy attributes in a string of action films such as Bronson, Inception and Lawless.

But his latest role playing flamboyant musician Sir Elton John in the cinematic portrayal of his life will see Tom tapping into an entirely different side of his personality...

Rocketman will see the beefy British-born actor swapping biker boots and Bane masks for spangly suits and rhinsetone-studded spectacles. Safe to say, we can't wait to see Tom's transformation!

The screenplay, penned by Oscar-nominated Billy Elliot writer Lee Hall, is being executively produced by the man himself, 66-year-old Sir Elton, meaning he no doubt had a hand in selecting the silver-screen version of himself. No wonder he picked such a looker...

The movie biopic will begin shooting in late 2014, Focus Features have announced, and will chronicle Elton's journey from childhood piano prodigy to global superstar.

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