First Published: October 23, 2013 4:49 PM EDT Credit: Getty Premium
NEW YORK, N.Y. -- 
Caption Tom Hardy attends the World Premiere of ‘Jack Reacher’ at Odeon Leicester Square on December 10, 2012 in LondonTom Hardy will play Elton John in a biopic titled “Rocketman.”
Focus Features announced Hardy’s casting as the iconic piano man on Wednesday. The film is planned to begin shooting late next year.
The 36-year-old British actor is well respected for his wide-ranging talent, but his brawny, tattooed frame makes him an unconventional choice. Hardy is most famous for playing the terrorist Bane in “The Dark Knight Rises.” He has showcased a muscled masculinity in films like “Warrior,” '‘Lawless” and “Bronson.”
“Rocketman” is being made with the cooperation of the 66-year-old John, who’s an executive producer on the film.
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