Rocketman will likely get an R-rating, thank goodness

Taron Egerton as Elton John in Rocketman on a private jet

Director Dexter Fletcher and inside sources have confirmed the upcoming Elton John biopic Rocketman is likely to get an R-rating.

These reports follow rumors of Paramount wanting to cut certain scenes from the film in order to get a PG-13 rating.

One of the alleged scenes that was on the chopping block is a bedroom scene with Taron Egerton (Elton John) and Richard Madden (John’s manager and former lover, John Reid). It shows the couple lying naked in bed together, and also contains rear nudity, the F-word, and drugs.

Two sources close to the film, however, told the Hollywood Reporter the film is likely to get an R-rating. They also confirmed the film will include the scene between Egerton and Madden.

Fletcher also tweeted about the rumors surrounding the film.

‘It has and always will be the no holds barred, musical fantasy that Paramount and producers passionately support and believe in,’ he reassured fans.

Seeing much speculation about ROCKETMAN!! That’s good! It’s still unfinished so it’s nothing but rumors. It has and always will be the no holds barred, musical fantasy that Paramount and producers passionately support and believe in. See for yourself May 24. Dx x

— Dexter Fletcher (@Dexfletch) March 22, 2019

The Hollywood Reporter also noted Paramount test screened the film in Pasadena, California recently. A source said the film received a score in the 80s from the audience, which is a promising start.

An ‘authentic’ portrayal

GSN saw early footage of the film last week. It included some tender scenes between Egerton and Madden, though none of the aforementioned nudity. It was also true to Fletcher’s description of the film as a ‘no holds barred musical fantasy’.

‘There is so much you didn’t see in that footage, some really beautiful scenes between me and Richard [Madden],’ Egerton reassured GSN.

He continued, saying it was ‘important’ to him to fully explore that part of John’s identity in a genuine and authentic way.

Fletcher’s project before Rocketman was the PG-13 Freddie Mercury and Queen movie, Bohemian Rhapsody, which he took over following Bryan Singer’s firing.

Rocketman hits theaters on 24 May in the UK and 31 May in the US.

See also

Read David Furnish’s sweet 72nd birthday tribute to Elton John

Elton John will finally release an autobiography on the ‘truth’ of his life

Watch Elton John and Taron Egerton perform together at Oscars party

Read More on Gay Star News