'The Dark Knight Rises' Tom Hardy Cast as Elton John in New Movie, Transforms Bane into 'Rocketman'

"The B---h is back!" Tom Hardy, who played the villain Bane in The Dark Knight Rises, has officially been cast as Sir Elton John in the upcoming musical biopic, Rocketman.

English actor Tom Hardy has officially agreed to play Elton John in Rocketman. The film is said to be an over the top musical extravaganza. The real life Elton John is helping with the film, as well as re-recording many of his hits for the film.

The movie will be produced by Steve Hamilton Shaw and David Furnish. Shaw recently released a statement to the press, saying:

“Tom is a stellar talent who will add extraordinary depth and nuance in bringing Elton’s story to life. We are excited to have such a gifted actor on board, and equally excited to be in the hands of Peter Schlessel and the entire Focus Features team.”

Focus Features CEO Peter Schlessel also had something to say about Hardy's casting:

“Tom is quickly becoming known as one of the world’s most versatile actors, and like others at the top of their craft, he has proven his ability to transform himself completely into the character or subject found in the material. We are confident that Tom will embody the physicality and spirit of Sir Elton. This, in conjunction with the creative team led by Michael and Rocket Pictures, will provide the foundation for something that will be a unique cinematic event.”

The 36-year-old actor has been known to alter his body for a role. Hardy, who is usually slender, bulked up for his role as Bane in The Dark Knight Rises. One of the films producers, Emma Thomas, commented on his ability to change his body telling Examiner:

“Tom is one of those actors who’s a transformative actor. When we were doing costume fittings for Bane, for example, he’d come in--and this is before he had put on much of the bulk...he would walk in and he’d look quite slim and slender…then he would hold his body in a different way and sort of stick his gut out, do something with his shoulders and suddenly you’d see exactly what it is he’s going to do.”