Taron Egerton’s “Rocketman,” the biopic about Elton John’s life and career, premiered to thunderous applause and a standing ovation Thursday at the Cannes Film Festival.
“Just hit the world Premiere of #RocketMan at #Cannes2019 & boy you are in for a treat,” one viewer wrote on Twitter. “What a wonderfully acted & directed treat of a brilliant story.”
Another audience member tweeted: “Taron Edgerton [sic] is absolutely brilliant, wow.”
John and Egerton then took the stage after the premiere to sing “Rocket Man.”
Elton and Taron singing #Rocketman pic.twitter.com/AtmoLXgB0D
— Rebecca Keegan (@ThatRebecca) May 16, 2019
Egerton stars as Elton John in the biopic. “Bohemian Rhapsody” director Dexter Fletcher helms the musical fantasy written by Lee Hall and also starring Jamie Bell, Richard Madden and Bryce Dallas Howard.
“Rocketman” will hit theaters in the United States on May 31.
See the first reactions below.
I never knew Elton's story was such a sad one. @TaronEgerton gave it so much life, depth & passion. So proud. #Cannes2019 #Rocketman
— JD Hunt (@JamieDHunt) May 16, 2019
Hot damn, Taron Egerton is the real deal. #Rocketman is a musical about picking yourself up off your ass and Taron delivers the sweat, grit and vulnerability it needs.
— Rebecca Keegan (@ThatRebecca) May 16, 2019
Huge standing O for Taron Egerton at the #Rocketman premiere pic.twitter.com/F5KZrgxSmm
— Tatiana Siegel (@TatianaSiegel27) May 16, 2019
Dexter Fletcher’s sexy dramatic and poignant Rocketman is an ambitious full-on bio musical with 20 songs—This Is Your Song got applause— sung by star Taron Egerton in a breakout performance. Watch for it to follow boffo global box office with a run on a roadway!
— Anne Thompson (@akstanwyck) May 16, 2019
Electric 4-minute ovation for #Rocketman a fantastical musical biopic about a creative legend and his battle with substance abuse. Star @TaronEgerton moved to tears by #cannes2019 reception, hug from Elton. Dexter fletcher says they’re blown away by reaction @rocketmanmovie pic.twitter.com/cVgQPvmGXM
— Chris Gardner (@chrissgardner) May 16, 2019
Just watched the #Rocketman premiere at #Cannes2019. An amazing #EltonJohn musical & biopic with sprikles of surrealism throughout. Great performances and SO well shot ❤️?
— Lucas Rizzotto (@_LucasRizzotto) May 16, 2019
I’m not an objective viewer but I really enjoyed #Rocketman. It’s a lovely tribute to Elton’s partnership with Bernie & the fantastical tone suits his life perfectly. Oscar chances hinge on reviews & biz, but as a true musical it’s a great bet for picture & actor at the Globes. pic.twitter.com/e1AlNsqfvf
— Dave Karger (@davekarger) May 16, 2019
Just hit the world Premiere of #RocketMan at #Cannes2019 & boy you are in for a treat. What a wonderfully acted & directed treat of a brilliant story.
— JD Hunt (@JamieDHunt) May 16, 2019
Taron Edgerton is absolutely brilliant, wow #Rocketman #Cannes19
— Stuart Oldham (@s_oldham) May 16, 2019
Dexter Fletcher’s sexy dramatic and poignant Rocketman is an ambitious full-on bio musical with 20 songs—This Is Your Song got applause— sung by star Taron Egerton in a breakout performance. Watch for it to follow boffo global box office with a run on a roadway!
— Anne Thompson (@akstanwyck) May 16, 2019