Rocketman director dismisses Elton John biopic cut gay sex scene ‘rumours’
Taron Egerton as Elton John in the upcoming film Rocketman. (Paramount Pictures UK/YouTube)
The director of Rocketman has blasted “rumours” following reports that producers of the Elton John biopic could censure a gay sex scene to reduce its age rating.
Taking to Twitter on Friday (March 22), Dexter Fletcher wrote: “Seeing much speculation about ROCKETMAN!! That’s good! It’s still unfinished so it’s nothing but rumors.
“It has and always will be the no holds barred, musical fantasy that Paramount and producers passionately support and believe in. See for yourself May 24.”
Fletcher’s post comes following a news report in the Daily Mail based on one anonymous source, who worked on the film.
The article claims that producers are under pressure to cut a 40-second gay sex scene with Taron Egerton, who plays John, and Richard Madden, who stars as the musician’s then lover John Reid.
Film-makers reportedly under pressure to cut Rocketman sex scene
It alleges that Paramount Pictures are calling for the scene to be removed so that the movie is given an American PG 13 rating (similar to the British 12A).
“It has and always will be the no holds barred, musical fantasy that Paramount and producers passionately support and believe in.”
—Dexter Fletcher
“Two guys have a naked cuddle to express their love for each other and that will be reduced to a fully dressed warm hello,” said the Daily Mail source.
“The world knows Elton’s gay. It’s no secret.”
Elton John biopic Rocketman to be released in May
According to the Guardian, John has previously said that no part of his life story is off-limits to producers, allegedly saying: “Tell it all. Go as R-rated as you need to.”
Rocketman director Dexter Fletcher. (John Phillips/Getty Images)
The movie reportedly has John’s approval.
In February, Egerton, who recently said the movie shows the singer at his most “broken and damaged,” performed a duet of “Tiny Dancer” with John himself.
The movie, named after John’s song “Rocket Man,” explores John’s life, from his time as a prodigy at the Royal Academy of Music, through to his enduring musical partnership with Bernie Taupin (played by Jamie Bell), and his global stardom.
It also follows John’s battle with depression, substance abuse, and him coming to terms with his sexuality as a gay man.
As well as acting, Egerton, who previously clarified that he is not gay amid speculation over his sexuality, will perform some of John’s classic films.
Rocketman is scheduled for release in the UK on May 24, 2019, and in the US on May 31.
Fletcher previously directed the final two weeks of filming for Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody when he replaced Bryan Singer, who faces multiple sexual assault claims.
Fletcher is uncredited in the film because of the rules of the Directors Guild of America (DGA).
