Personally I think Elton John is one of the most overrated musicians of all time. "Rocketman"? "Benny and the Jets?" Yuck. Aside from "Can you feel the love tonight?" from The Lion King I could go the rest of my life not hearing an Elton John song and die a happy man.
Having said that, there is no denying that he is a rock icon. With recent musical biopics such as Ray and Walk the Line, along with upcoming Elvis, Liberace and Freddie Mercury biopics, it comes as no surprise that a film based on the man with the over sized glasses is in the works. Currently, John is working with Billy Elliot writer Lee Hall on Rocketman, a biopic that apparently combines the singer's music with his rise to fame. Sir Elton calls it a "biographical musical fantasy" whatever the hell that means.
So who does the rock legend believe should play him in all his costumed glory? Why none other than the "Dick in a Box" man himself Mr. Justin Timberlake. According to John, JT is "number one" on his list. As much as I don't like Elton John it's hard to disagree with his choice. Say what you want about Timberlake but there's no doubt he can act, sing, and dance. Additionally, he can play the piano and has already played Elton John in a David LaChappelle video. Sounds like a match made in a flashy discotheque to me!
John also reports that a director is attached and an announcement will be made soon. Apparently Rocketman will not be a straight (no pun intended) biography but is "going to be a surreal look at my life." Honestly, Elton John's life overall has been so surreal that that may be the only logical choice. A dry, straightforward biopic would just not be his style.
Currently no production company is attached to the project and Lee and John are still perfecting the script. However, with the legion of Elton John fans out there and considering the source material, there is little doubt that Rocketman will grace a cinema near you very soon.
I think you're discounting Elton John's career a bit, but that's a matter of personal taste I suppose. I do agree with your general sentiment that JT is the right pick for the role.
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