As the casting drags on for the Freddie Mercury biopic, a feature film about another '70s gay British superstar just landed its lead. Tom Hardy, who played Bane in 'The Dark Knight Rises,' will portray Elton John in the movie 'Rocketman.'

According to The Wrap, Hardy -- the British star who's appeared in 'Inception' and 'Warrior' in addition to breaking Batman's back in one of the '10s' best movies -- has signed on to director Michael Gracey's upcoming movie about John. The original screenplay was penned by Lee Hall, who was nominated for an Oscar for 'War Horse.' Production on the movie will start in fall 2014.

Casting for the film -- which chronicles John's rise as one of the biggest musical figures of the 20th century -- was a long and difficult process. Apparently the filmmakers want everything just right. They've even enlisted John to re-record many of his hits for the movie.

But before Hardy begins work on 'Rocketman,' he'll help reboot 'Mad Max' for the big screen and star in a handful of other films. He's carved out a pretty great career over the past few years as a reliable action hero with acting chops to boot. We're guessing he snagged the John role for the latter qualities -- unless they're planning some major ass-kicking for Mr. 'Can You Feel the Love Tonight' in 'Rocketman.'

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