Tom Hardy to play Elton John?

'Batman' star Tom Hardy is reportedly being lined up to play Elton John in the forthcoming biopic of the pop legend.

'Rocketman' is being developed by director Michael Gracey, with Elton himself acting as an executive producer on the film.

It's not yet known whether Hardy has expressed his interest in the role, but Hitfix reports that the actor is at the top of the hit list.

There is also set to be a role for a younger Elton.

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It will be Gracey's first feature, having made his name in adverts and visual effects.

“Everyone knows and loves Elton John's music, but the true story of his life is so incredible that it can only be described as a fantasy,” he said.

“His journey from impossible dreamer to stardom and uncontrollable excess is something only a musical film can capture, and I'm so excited to be the one to tell his story.”

John has previously said that he wanted Justin Timberlake to play him.

The film has been written by Lee Hall, the scribe behind 'Billy Elliot', and will follow the pianist from prodigy to popstar.