Rocket Pictures and Icon/AI Film’s red-hot Cannes market project about the life of Elton John has found its US home, sources confirmed to Screendaily on Wednesday evening [12]. Good Universe handles international sales and introduced to buyers on the Croisette.

Film District is understood to be plotting a wide release for Rocketman after paying a minimum guarantee in the region of $10m and committing to a sizeable P&A spend.

As previously reported, Michael Gracey will direct the musically inspired retelling of John’s tumultuous life story, from his origins as a musical prodigy to a singer-songwriter and performer of worldwide renown. Lee Hall wrote the screenplay.

Rocketman, currently in pre-production with Tom Hardy in the frame to portray the adult John according to reports, will feature the entertainer’s music.

UK-based Icon’s production division AI Film came on board in Cannes to co-finance alongside Rocket Pictures. Steve Hamilton Shaw and John’s life partner David Furnish will produce with Lawrence Bender for AI Film.

John himself and Len Blavatnik of Access Industries are serving as executive producers with Icon/AI Film CEO Aviv Giladi and FilmDistrict CEO Peter Schlessel.

FilmDistrict negotiated the deal with Icon/AI Film and UTA Independent Film Group on behalf of Rocket Pictures. UTA Independent Film Group arranged financing.

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