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Tag: taron-egerton

  • Apple TV+’s ‘Black Bird’ Interview: Paul Walter Hauser

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    Golden Globe winner Paul Walter Hauser has also been nominated at the 2023 Screen Actors Guild Awards for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series, along with his co-star Taron Egerton, for their work on the Apple TV+ miniseries ‘Black Bird.’

    What is the true story behind ‘Black Bird’ and what is the miniseries about?

    ‘Black Bird’ is based on the true story of Larry Hall, who in 1995 was sent to prison for the kidnapping of a 15-year-old girl who went missing in 1993, although he was suspected multiple murders the police could not prove.

    In 1998, former football star Jimmy Keene was arrested in a drug and firearms case and sentenced to ten years in prison. The FBI makes Jimmy an offer, befriend Larry in a maximum-security prison for the criminally insane and get him to confess to the murders, and Jimmy’s sentence will be commuted, or don’t and he will be forced to serve his full sentence.

    Who stars in ‘Black Bird?’

    ‘Black Bird’ stars Taron Egerton (‘Rocketman’) as James “Jimmy” Keene, and Paul Walter Hauser (‘Richard Jewell’) as Lawrence “Larry” Hall. In addition, the cast includes Sepideh Moafi (‘The Killing of Two Lovers’), Greg Kinnear (‘As Good as It Gets’), Robert Wisdom (‘Motherless Brooklyn’), and Ray Liotta (‘Goodfellas’).

    How many 2023 Screen Actors Guild Awards was ‘Black Bird’ nominated for?

    Both Taron Egerton and Paul Walter Hauser were nominated for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series.

    Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Paul Walter Hauser about his work on ‘Black Bird,’ as well as his SAG award nomination and the true story the series is based on.

    Paul Walter Hauser stars in 'Black Bird,' now streaming on Apple TV+.
    Paul Walter Hauser stars in ‘Black Bird,’ now streaming on Apple TV+.

    You can read the full interview below or click on the video player above to watch our interview with Hauser about ‘Black Bird.’

    Moviefone: To begin with, you recently won a Golden Globe and a Critics Choice Award for this series, and have now been nominated for a SAG Award. How does it feel to be nominated for this award from your peers?

    Paul Walter Hauser: It feels really good. It’s the kind of award show that you hope you get to attend or be nominated for because you’re voted on by your peers, some of your heroes, and some of your collaborators. We really are a big community, so the fact that I’ve been nominated alongside these other guys it means more to me than an Academy Award. It’s amazing.

    MF: Can you talk about your approach to playing real life character Larry Hall in this series?

    PWH: In a way, playing real characters can be easier than playing entirely fabricated ones because you have materials, you about their backstory, you have photographs, sometimes you have video footage, and that can be very helpful. What’s difficult about it is you really have to get it accurate. You have people judging it a bit differently than if it were just some made up character. So there’s a lot of pressure, and it’s also really scary.

    The fear I have with some characters, like the racist idiot that I played in ‘BlacKkKlansman’ or the serial killer Larry Hall, you never want it to enter into a lane of unbelievability and have it be almost too crazy, and become comedic or hard to ground. So the key really is trying to be specific, ground the character in a sense of reality, and then commit to that.

    Paul Walter Hauser in 'Black Bird,' now streaming on Apple TV+.
    Paul Walter Hauser in ‘Black Bird,’ now streaming on Apple TV+.

    Related Article: Taron Egerton Talks ‘Black Bird’

    MF: What was the most challenging aspect of playing this character?

    PWH: Keeping the voice is difficult. There were days I did it better than others, and there are moments in the show where I look at it and go, I wish I would’ve done that a little bit differently. But I would say that, and having to think the thoughts of Larry. Some of the things Larry says about his crimes are just so dark and disgusting, and disturbing that I have to think those thoughts. I have to imagine him, me doing that, or it isn’t going to be real in the eyes. You can always tell if an actor’s full of crap by looking at their eyes, and I had to own that and that was not fun. That was very difficult.

    MF: Was this a difficult character for you to shake after the production was over?

    PWH: I guess I just am able to differentiate myself from the character. I have better hygiene than him. I had a better childhood than him. I have faith in a God that I can’t see, but I may as well because of the belief I have. These are all things Larry didn’t have. I had a mass amount of friends growing up. Larry probably could have used some friends. He could have used some people that grounded him and made him feel seen. Who knows, he may have went a whole different path. So I think I just have the cognizance of mine to know that you’re Paul, not Larry and I have a million flaws too, but they’re not Larry’s flaws, that’s for sure.

    MF: Finally, what was it like for you to work with Taron Egerton on this project?

    PWH: Now I’ve worked with some great actors. I’ve gotten to work alongside Vince Vaughn and Sam Rockwell, and Emma Thompson and Marisa Tomei. Taron really is one of the greats right now, and between ‘Rocketman’ and ‘Black Bird,’ he’s just a must see for me. I’m always going to want to watch whatever he’s doing, because I want to see what he does with it. He’s a brilliant actor and a really kind man, and I’m proud to call him a friend.

    Paul Walter Hauser and Taron Egerton in 'Black Bird,' now streaming on Apple TV+.
    (L to R) Paul Walter Hauser and Taron Egerton in ‘Black Bird,’ now streaming on Apple TV+.

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  • Taron Egerton Talks ‘Black Bird’

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    Premiering on Apple TV+ beginning July 8th is the new six-part miniseries entitled ‘Black Bird,’ which is based on the book “In With The Devil: A Fallen Hero, A Serial Killer, and A Dangerous Bargain for Redemption’ by author James Keene.

    Created by novelist Dennis Lehane (‘Mystic River’), the series follows James Keene (Taron Egerton), who is sentenced to 10 years in a minimum-security prison but cuts a deal with the FBI to befriend a suspected serial killer for an early release. Now, Keene has to elicit a confession from Larry Hall (Paul Walter Hauser) to find the bodies of as many as eighteen women.

    The series also features Greg Kinnear, Sepideh Moafi, and the late Ray Liotta.

    Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Taron Egerton about his work on ‘Black Bird.’

    Taron Egerton in “Black Bird,” premiering globally July 8, 2022 on Apple TV+.
    Taron Egerton in “Black Bird,” premiering globally July 8, 2022 on Apple TV+.

    You can read our full interview with Taron Egerton below or click on the video player above to watch our interviews with Egerton, Greg Kinnear, Sepideh Moafi, and Dennis Lehane.

    Moviefone: To begin with, were you aware of the true story the series is based on before shooting, and what was your initial reaction to the screenplay?

    Taron Egerton: I was aware of the story actually, but only in relation to the prospect of me playing it. I think there’ve been conversations between the producers, especially Bradley Thomas, and one of my representatives in the couple of years in the run up to me being offered it.

    It’s just an undeniably great bit of writing. Of course, Dennis’ name is enough to peak your interest, because of everything he’s done. When I read it, I was just completely engrossed and compelled, and wanted to know what happened. I also recognized an opportunity for me to do something that I hadn’t really done before with the character.

    Taron Egerton and Paul Walter Hauser in “Black Bird,” premiering globally July 8, 2022 on Apple TV+.
    Taron Egerton and Paul Walter Hauser in “Black Bird,” premiering globally July 8, 2022 on Apple TV+.

    MF: Finally, you have played real-life people in the past, most recently as Elton John in ‘Rocketman.’ What type of research do you do when you are playing a real-person, and do you feel a sense of responsibility when you are playing a living person as opposed to a fictional character?

    TE: Yes, I do. Of course, you don’t want that person to be unhappy with what you do. But also, my primary responsibility is to the script and to serve the script rather than to serve the person I’m playing. It’s always got to be that I’m playing the character that’s on the page before the person in real life, because those things are different. Personally, I feel that we get a little bit preoccupied with the idea of factual accuracy, or a carbon copy of playing someone who’s real, because it’s always you. It’s always as if you had lived a different life. You can’t really play someone else. You can only bring your own experiences to a role, but it was such an exciting story, ‘Black Bird.’

    I suppose I recognized things in the character that were less like me, but also elements of it that I did recognize in myself. I just thought it was a brilliant opportunity, to do something that was such a counterpoint to Elton, with his sparkly shoes that are seven inches off the ground, flamboyance and sure charisma. This guy’s much more grounded. He’s hyper masculine, I suppose, whereas Elton was played with the idea of masculinity with what he wore and how he behaved. Yeah, it’s just a joy to be able to do something so different after the Elton John movie, ‘Rocketman.’

    Taron Egerton in “Black Bird,” premiering globally July 8, 2022 on Apple TV+.
    Taron Egerton in “Black Bird,” premiering globally July 8, 2022 on Apple TV+.

  • Taron Egerton Would Like to Play Wolverine

    Taron Egerton and Hugh Jackman in 'Eddie the Eagle.'
    (L to R) Taron Egerton and Hugh Jackman in ‘Eddie the Eagle.’

    Taron Egerton has done a lot in a relatively short career so far. In the last decade, he’s gotten a big break via Matthew Vaughn’s ‘Kingsman’ spy caper franchise, played a few real people (including Eddie the Eagle and Elton John), been nominated for several awards and lent his voice to a couple of successful animated movies in the ‘Sing’ movies.

    One milestone he hasn’t hit for a young rising star is getting the call from Marvel Studios for a meeting about a potential role. Or has he? According to a new interview with the New York Times, he has. And they talked about him potentially playing Wolverine.

    “I don’t think it would be wrong to say that,” he tells the paper. “I’d be excited but I’d be apprehensive as well, because Hugh is so associated with the role that I’d wonder if it’d be very difficult for someone else to do it.”

    “Hugh”, of course, is Hugh Jackman, the man who played Logan/Wolverine across different X-Men movies for two decades, finishing up – at least, for now – with 2017’s ‘Logan’, which effectively killed off his character. But as we all know, superheroes rarely stay dead and even with Marvel looking to reboot the mutant characters following its purchase of 20th Century Fox, he could still return.

    Patrick Stewart, for example, recently played an alternate Professor Charles Xavier in ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’. So the door is open to Jackman should he wish to don the claws again. He’s said, though, that he’s effectively done playing the character, especially given the tough training regime it requires.

    Taron Egerton in Twentieth Century Fox's 'Kingsman: The Golden Circle.'
    Taron Egerton in Twentieth Century Fox’s ‘Kingsman: The Golden Circle.’

    Still, if Egerton is looking to get Jackman’s blessing to take over the role, at least he has a relatively direct line to the man, since they worked together on ‘Eddie the Eagle’.

    We can certainly see Egerton in the role of the long-lived, fast-healing and metal-clawed mutant, as he’s got the dramatic chops to bring the character to life and can get to the physical place.

    As of right now, we have to leave this in the rumor zone, since there have been no announcements (not that we’d expect anything official from Marvel until the company is ready to say something). Still, Taron seems excited even by just the potential idea. “Hopefully if it does come around, they’ll give me a shot,” he says.

    Marvel’s future plans, of course, are a mystery beyond the current planned films and shows but given the company’s planned presence at this month’s San Diego Comic-Con, we’re expecting to hear more about the plans for the next phase in the Marvel Cinematic Universe on screens both big and small. Could we see Egerton bound on stage to a rapturous welcome? You never know.

    Meanwhile, he’ll be back on our screens via Apple TV+ limited series ‘Blackbird’, debuting this Friday.

    Hugh Jackman as Logan in 2013's 'The Wolverine.'
    Hugh Jackman as Logan in 2013’s ‘The Wolverine.’
  • Taron Egerton Goes on the Record as Interested in Joining MCU

    Taron Egerton Goes on the Record as Interested in Joining MCU

    Kingsman: The Golden Circle, Taron Egerton
    20th Century Fox

    It’s official: Marvel President Kevin Feige should contact Taron Egerton when he’s looking for the MCU’s Wolverine — or really any other character.

    Fans have floated Egerton as a possible replacement now that Hugh Jackman has moved on from the role, and the actor responded on Wednesday to their calls for him to take over. Egerton told Variety that he wasn’t sure if that particular casting was realistic but made it clear he’s interested.

    “I love Marvel and I love the movies. … I’d love to be a part of it,” he said. “Whether [Wolverine] is realistic or not, I don’t know.”

    While a new Wolverine will eventually be integrated into the MCU, Jackman’s wasn’t. The veteran X-Men actor’s final turn as the mutant was in 2017’s “Logan,” which came before 20th Century Fox became part of Disney. Unfortunately for him, that meant Jackman never got the chance to be in an Avengers film — something Egerton could, in theory, do.

    Beyond the idea of getting to be a part of the MCU, there’s a side benefit that excites Egerton: If cast, he would have “the excuse to get in shape,” he says. That was certainly a part of the job for Jackman. The actor was famously jacked as Wolverine, and he told the Los Angeles Times in 2014 that he would “really up the training” and focus eating “a lot stricter” for the X-Men movies.

    It remains to be seen where Egerton’s interest will lead, but he has a strong resume to recommend him. He recently starred in the acclaimed Elton John biopic “Rocketman” and has had roles in action flicks like “Robin Hood” and “Kingsman: The Golden Circle.” And given how big the MCU has gotten, we’d be shocked if there wasn’t a way to work him in.

    [via: Variety]

  • Elton John and ‘Rocketman’ Filmmakers Slam Russia’s Cuts of Sex and Drug Scenes

    Elton John and ‘Rocketman’ Filmmakers Slam Russia’s Cuts of Sex and Drug Scenes

    Paramount Pictures

    Elton John is not happy that an edited version of “Rocketman” is being shown in Russian, one that reportedly removes all reference to him being gay.

    Russian critics have reported that at a Moscow preview of the film, which will be released across Russia next Thursday, at least five minutes had been cut, including a sex scene between Taron Egerton (who plays John) and Richard Madden (who plays his manager, John Reid).

    The closing credits had also been amended to drop references to John’s relationship with husband David Furnish.

    Anton Dolin, one of Russia’s best-known film critics, said in a Facebook post that “all scenes with kissing and sex between men were cut out.”

    Critic Misha Kozyrev also reported that scenes involving drugs had been cut from the film.

    In a statement released today, John and the filmmakers said:

    “We reject in the strongest possible terms the decision to pander to local laws and censor ‘Rocketman’ for the Russian market, a move we were unaware of until today. Paramount Pictures have been brave and bold partners in allowing us to create a film which is a true representation of Elton’s extraordinary life, warts and all.  That the local distributor has edited out certain scenes, denying the audience the opportunity to see the film as it was intended is a sad reflection of the divided world we still live in and how it can still be so cruelly unaccepting of the love between two people. We believe in building bridges and open dialogue, and will continue to push for the breaking down of barriers until all people are heard equally across the world.”

    Local distributor, Central Partnership, told news agency TASS that the film had been amended to comply with Russian laws. Russia has strict anti-gay laws that make it illegal to promote “non-traditional sexual relationships” to minors, but since the film has an “over 18 only” classification, additional edits seem unnecessary.

    Paramount released its own statement Friday:

    We are incredibly proud of the movie that we made, which is told in the way that Elton John wanted his story to be depicted. We are releasing the film in its entirety around the world regardless of rating, but like all studios, we must adhere to local laws and requirements in certain territories in which the film is being shown.”

    Russia’s official stance is notoriously anti-gay, but Russian President Vladimir Putin gave the singer mixed praise in 2014, saying, “Elton John is an outstanding person [and] outstanding musician. Millions of our people sincerely love him despite his orientation.”

    Both John and Egerton were adamant about keeping in the film’s sex scenes, which are the first gay male sex scenes in a major studio release.

    “Some studios wanted to tone down the sex and drugs so the film would get a PG-13 rating. But I just haven’t led a PG-13 rated life,” John wrote in The Guardian before the film’s release.

    Egerton knew that wouldn’t play well in Russia, telling GQ UK in April, “I don’t care how well the film does in Russia. It doesn’t matter. It can’t matter. What’s an extra $25 million at the box office? What are you willing to do for that? Sacrifice sleeping at night because you watered the whole thing down?”

    “Bohemian Rhapsody,” which depicted the life of another gay music icon, Freddie Mercury, was similarly censored in China.

    [Via THR, The Advocate]

  • Just How Sparkly are the Stars of ‘Rocketman,’ Anyway?

    Just How Sparkly are the Stars of ‘Rocketman,’ Anyway?

    Paramount

    Sure, “Rocketman” chronicles Elton John‘s singing career and personal life. But you can’t hear more than a couple bars of “Crocodile Rock” before imagining something sparkly that Elton wore as he wowed audiences onstage. In the latest episode of The Ms. Moviefone Show, Grae Drake asks Taron Egerton, Bryce Dallas Howard, Richard Madden, and director Dexter Fletcher a series of probing questions which helps her determine which one of the costumes designed by Julian Day best fits their own personality.

    “Rocketman” is in theaters May 31!

  • Elton John Keeps Sending Taron Egerton ‘Rocketman’ Reviews

    Elton John Keeps Sending Taron Egerton ‘Rocketman’ Reviews

    Jimmy Kimmel Live still
    Jimmy Kimmel Live/YouTube

    Avoiding “Rocketman” reviews hasn’t been going well for Taron Egerton. The star of the Elton John biopic was recently a guest on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” and he told the late-night show host that the legendary musician keeps sending him reviews.

    “I try and avoid reviews, but Elton sends me them every day,” Egerton told Kimmel. “Every day.”

    John apparently realizes that he’s been sending a lot of them. Egerton says that the icon’s emails always come with the subject line, “And another one.” The good news for the actor is that John seems to be vetting the reviews; Egerton has only seen positive responses.

    “I’m sure there are bad ones that he’s not sending,” Egerton said.

    The actor also opened up about what it was like to watch the film alongside John and his longtime writing partner Bernie Taupin, cover John’s songs, film concert scenes, and more. Watch Kimmel’s interview with Egerton’s interview below.

    “Rocketman” opens May 31. “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” airs weeknights at 11:35 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.

  • Taron Egerton Is Emotional When ‘Rocketman’ Gets a Standing Ovation at Cannes Premiere

    Taron Egerton Is Emotional When ‘Rocketman’ Gets a Standing Ovation at Cannes Premiere

    Paramount

    Taron Egerton got more than a little choked up at the enthusiastic reception to the Cannes premiere of “Rocketman.”

    The actor, who plays music legend Elton John in the biopic, and the 72-year-old singer himself, were both tearing up when the film received a standing ovation.

    https://twitter.com/RaminSetoodeh/status/1129101351714263040

    And then both Egerton and Elton dueted at the “Rocketman” after party.

    Critics are mostly loving the biopic, which costars “Games of Thrones” alum Richard Madden, Bryce Dallas Howard, and Jamie Bell. It’s directed by Dexter Fletcher, who finished “Bohemian Rhapsody” (uncredited) after Bryan Singer walked off the set of the Queen biopic.

    Tweeted Variety’s Anne Thompson: “Dexter Fletcher’s sexy dramatic and poignant ‘Rocketman’ is an ambitious full-on bio musical with 20 songs—’This Is Your Song’ got applause— sung by star Taron Egerton in a breakout performance.” She added that Madden is “swaggeringly hot as Elton John’s manager John Reid, who was also the villain in ‘Bohemian Rhapsody.’ He really would make a great James Bond.”

    IndieWire critic Eric Kohn was less impressed, tweeting: “If you were wondering what a great Elton John biopic looks like, don’t hold your breath. But at least ROCKETMAN doesn’t skimp on the music.” In his review, he calls it a “cheesy jukebox musical,” but says it’s better than “Bohemian Rhapsody.”

    THR’s Rebecca Keegan said, “Hot damn, Taron Egerton is the real deal… [he] delivers the sweat, grit and vulnerability it needs.”

    Elton himself gave it a big thumbs-up, telling THR afterwards, “This has been a very emotional night for me…. Even if the movie doesn’t make one penny at the box office, which will kill [Paramount CEO] Jim Gianopulos, it is the movie I wanted to make.”

    If it doesn’t get a slew of awards noms (like “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “A Star is Born,”), we’ll be very surprised.

    Egerton’s previous films include the “Kingsman” movies and the animated musical “Sing,” in which he performed Elton John’s “I’m Still Standing.”

    “Rocketman” opens May 31.

    Via People, IndieWire]

  • The ‘Rocketman’ Soundtrack Has an Elton John-Taron Egerton Duet

    The ‘Rocketman’ Soundtrack Has an Elton John-Taron Egerton Duet

    Taron Egerton in Rocketman
    Paramount Pictures

    Taron Egerton isn’t just playing Elton John in the upcoming movie “Rocketman” — he sings a duet with him, too.

    Egerton and John have recorded a new song that John wrote with his longtime collaborator Bernie Taupin, Variety reports. The song, “(I’m Gonna) Love Me Again,” is the final track on soundtrack, meaning it is likely to play during the credits. It’s also the only song with John’s vocals and because it was written for the movie, it is Oscar-eligible, as Variety points out.

    The soundtrack draws from some of John’s greatest hits, but they’re covered by members of the film’s cast. With Egerton playing John, he’s the vocalist on the majority of the tracks. He sings songs like “Crocodile Rock,” “Tiny Dancer,” and “Your Song.” John apparently approved of Egerton’s singing; his husband, producer David Furnish, previously told THR that John was “blown away.”

    “Rocketman” opens May 31, and its soundtrack will be available the week before, on May 24. The full track list is now available on iTunes.

    [via: Variety]

  • ‘Rocketman’ Trailer: Taron Egerton Gets Flashy in the Elton John Biopic

    ‘Rocketman’ Trailer: Taron Egerton Gets Flashy in the Elton John Biopic

    Rocketman trailer still
    Paramount Pictures/YouTube

    With “Rocketman” launching soon, Paramount Pictures has released a new trailer for the Elton John biopic.

    The preview shows off star Taron Egerton as the famed musician, following John’s life from his beginnings as a Reginald Kenneth Dwight, a Royal Academy of Music prodigy, through his rise to superstar status. Along the way, there are plenty of John’s iconic songs, performed by Egerton, such as “Your Song,” “Bennie and the Jets,” and “Tiny Dancer.” From what we’ve seen so far, the actor shines, both in terms of performance and very flashy wardrobe.

    The film also stars Jamie Bell, Richard Madden, Gemma Jones, and Bryce Dallas Howard as important figures in John’s life. Bell plays Bernie Taupin, John’s lyricist and writing partner Bernie Taupin; Richard Madden stars as his first manager, John Reid; and Howard portrays his mother, Sheila Farebrother.

    Watch below.

    “Rocketman” is directed by Dexter Fletcher and opens May 31.