By Canadian Press

Elton John and ‘Rocketman’ touch down in Cannes

May 16, 2019 | 3:40 PM

CANNES, France — Elton John and his biopic “Rocketman” landed Thursday at the Cannes Film Festival, where the 72-year-old pop star came dressed in a tuxedo with “Rocket Man” emblazoned on the back and regaled attendees with an after-party performance on the beach.

John, an executive producer of the film, hadn’t spoken much about the movie before it made its premiere at Cannes. But donning heart-shaped, red-tinted glasses he gave the movie his hearty blessing Thursday. At the post-premiere party, he called it “an emotional night.”

“Even if the movie doesn’t make one penny at the box office — which will kill (Paramount Pictures chief) Jim Gianopulos — it is the movie I wanted to make,” John said from the stage.

At the party John performed “I’m Still Standing” before being joined by Taron Egerton, who plays him in the film for a rendition of “Rocket Man.” Egerton was visibly moved to tears after the premiere.

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“Rocketman” is directed by Dexter Fletcher who also took over directing duties on last year’s hit music biopic, “Bohemian Rhapsody,” after Bryan Singer departed mid-production.

“Rocketman” isn’t so dissimilar from “Bohemian Rhapsody.” It’s a glossy music-stuffed biopic with a star-making turn from Egerton. But “Rocketman” is R-rated and less cautious about its star’s homosexuality.

Paramount Pictures hopes “Rocketman” can also mimic the box office of “Bohemian Rhapsody.” It grossed $903 million worldwide.

Jake Coyle, The Associated Press