Justin Timberlake is causing a stir in the Hollywood world today (January 4, 2012) by suggesting he is "seriously considering" taking the role of Elton John in the forthcoming biopic Rocketman. The former pop-star who has carved out a successful career on screen, has been personally handpicked for the role by Elton himself but is yet to fully commit.
Justin famously played the British rocker in David LaChapelle's video for This Train Don't Stop There Anymore - gaining rave reviews for his incredible likeness to a young Elton. With this in mind, the multi-million selling musician told the Los Angeles Times that Timberlake was "No.1" on his wishlist for the upcoming biopic, set to be written by Oscar-winner Lee Hall (Billy Elliot). The part will no doubt appeal to Timberlake, who will be looking to push on from well-received performances in David Fincher's The Social Network and thriller in Time. Elton's story would potentially suit a big-screen adaptation too, what with his phenomenal rise from pub pianist to global superstar. He has also had a number of well-documented personal problems, which again would certainly lend themselves to a feature film. A source close to Timberlake says he is aware of Elton's wish for him to join the cast, saying, "he "is taking it (the offer) very seriously.He's working with his people to figure out exactly how to respond". Though still best known for his pop-chart domination in the early 2000's, Justin stormed into the acting world in 2010 as Napster co-founder Sean Parker in Facebook movie The Social Network.
Though he seems to be showing an interest in Rocketman, Justin has reportedly signed on to play coffee-shop folk singer Dave Van Ronk in a forthcoming Coen Brothers biopic.