Tom Hardy to Play Elton John in 'Rocketman'

Once you've played Bane and fought Batman, the only next logical career step in portraying Elton John, right? If you're Tom Hardy, that's the plan. Focus Features announced on Wednesday that Hardy has been cast to play the iconic musician in Rocketman, a biopic about Elton John.

“Tom is quickly becoming known as one of the world’s most versatile actors, and like others at the top of their craft, he has proven his ability to transform himself completely into the character or subject found in the material,” said Schlessel. “We are confident that Tom will embody the physicality and spirit of Sir Elton. This, in conjunction with the creative team led by Michael and Rocket Pictures, will provide the foundation for something that will be a unique cinematic event.”

So what kind of movie can we expect Rocketman to be? I don't know much about the life of John, but I don't think he lived through the same kinds of hardships as Ray Charles, the subject of another cinematic biography.

Much like the man himself, Rocketman is a larger-than-life movie musical spectacle that tells the story of a child prodigy turned music legend. Elton will re-record many of his iconic hits to parallel the emotional beats of the film that will have audiences on their feet, singing along to his much loved music.

With shooting expected to begin in fall 2014, Rocketman should hit theaters in the very crowded 2015.