Taron Egerton in talks for Elton John role

Actor Taron Egerton is in negotiations to take on the role of Sir Elton John in Rocketman, which was handed to actor Tom Hardy four years ago.

A source close to the production says, "The public likes a flawed genius. And don't forget new generations are being introduced to songs he wrote decades ago. Plus, there's the work he did on Disney's The Lion King, Billy Elliot and all those albums and all that touring."

John stars as a fictionalised version of himself in Egerton's forthcoming film Kingsman: The Golden Circle, which is directed by Matthew Vaughn.

The filmmaker is keen to fast-track Rocketman after chatting about the project with the Candle in the Wind hitmaker in between takes for the sequel.

Lee Hall has penned the screenplay for the film, which will begin when John was still known as Reginald Dwight during his teenage years.

It will tell the story of his latter days in the Royal Aacademy of Music, how he teamed up with Bernie Taupin - who has written the lyrics for many of the star's big hits, including Rocket Man and Tiny Dancer - and explore several of his scandals over the years.

Since Hardy signed up for the role, he has admitted to having problems staying on pitch, while Egerton is a tenor specialist, so it is expected that he will not have any trouble with the singing parts of the movie.

It is not known if Hardy has stepped aside from the role or not, but earlier this year he gave an update on his status in Rocketman saying the movie is on a "waiting status."