Elton John Slams 'Bulls***' Criticism Of Casting Straight Actor Taron Egerton In Biopic Rocketman | HuffPost

"It’s the movie I wanted to make and that’s all that counts."

By

Entertainment Editor, HuffPost UK

Sir Elton John branded the criticism of straight actor Taron Egerton playing him in new biopic Rocketman as “bullshit”.

Taron has been blasted by some for taking on the role of the gay music icon in the film, claiming the the part should have been played by someone from the LGBTQ+ community.

However, Elton has made it clear that is not a viewpoint he has any time for.

Elton John and Taron Egerton at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this week

SIPA USA/PA Images

Speaking to The Sun about the controversy of straight actors playing gay roles, he said: “That’s all bulls**t, I’m sorry.

“If people don’t like it, review-wise, or it doesn’t make one dollar, it’s the movie I wanted to make and that’s all that counts. I can look back and say, ‘You know what, I love it. I can live with it’.”

Taron himself has previously addressed the criticism, telling The Hollywood Reporter: ”I have spoken to gay people for whom it’s not a problem, and I’ve spoken to gay people for whom it is a problem.”

“I completely understand. But for my part, I’m an actor, and I did not get into acting to just play people like me. You have to draw the line somewhere, and I don’t want to live in a world where straight people play straight people and gay people play gay people.”

Taron plays Elton in Rocketman

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Richard Madden, who plays Elton’s love interest John Reid, recently told the Guardian that he thinks casting by sexuality is a “terrible route to go down.”

The film received its debut at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this week, but was met with a rather mixed reception from critics.

The film premieres in the UK on Monday.

Elton John: 75 Rare And Beautiful Early Years Photos

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British singer, songwriter and musician Elton John (Reginald Kenneth Dwight) playing piano. Rome, 1973 (Photo by Rino Petrosino\Mondadori Portfolio by Getty Images) (credit:Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images)

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LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 25: Elton John performs at the Los Angeles Coliseum in Los Angeles, California on October 25, 1975. (Photo by Larry Hulst/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images) (credit:Larry Hulst via Getty Images)

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CIRCA 1971: Pop singer Elton John poses for a portrait wearing glasses in circa 1971. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images) (credit:Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images)

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(Original Caption) 8/25/1975-- L-r: Rock star Elton John is shown embracing singer Bette Midler on the set of the "Cher" TV show on CBS. Both are wearing outlandish costumes. (credit:Bettmann via Getty Images)

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7th November 1970: Portrait of British-born musician Elton John playing the piano and singing. John wears sunglasses, a long-sleeved shirt covered in white stars, and many rings. (Photo by Jack Robinson/Hulton Archive/Getty Images) (credit:Jack Robinson via Getty Images)

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Portrait of British musician Elton John, dressed in a leather duster (or long coat) as he plays piano, 1970. (Photo by Jack Robinson/Hulton Archive/Getty Images) (credit:Jack Robinson via Getty Images)

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