October 24, 2013 | Celeb Watch

Look who will be playing Elton John ...

This may come as a surprise to many, but the actor chosen to star as Elton John in the musical biopic Rocketman is Tom Hardy. Say what?

Yes, the muscled stud who played badguy Bane in The Dark Knight Rises and a real-life convict in Bronson, will be channeling his flamboyant side for the new role. He even beat out Justin Timberlake for the spot (who, some may remember, pulled off an amazing Elton in the music video for Elton's '.')

According to the press release: "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."

The film will be produced by Elton's partner David Furnish, and will start shooting next fall.

Tom Hardy to Play Elton John in ‘Rocketman’ []