This makes a lot more sense: Taron Egerton is replacing Tom Hardy as the star of the Elton John biopic "Rocketman." Not only does he look a lot more like the famed singer, Egerton (unlike Hardy) is also known for his vocal skills. (Sorry, Tom!)

The deal was (presumably) sealed while making "Kingsman: The Golden Circle," in which Elton John has a cameo. John is producing his own biopic, which was supposed to have begun production in 2014 with Hardy playing the "Tiny Dancer" singer.

"Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels" actor Dexter Fletcher, who helmed Egerton in the uplifting sports movie "Eddie The Eagle," will direct. The film will cover John's childhood, musical partnership with Bernie Taupin and his rise to fame.

No one has yet been cast as Taupin and no start date has been announced.

Egerton, as you recall, sang as Johnny the teenage gorilla in the animated movie "Sing." It's not known whether he'll do his own singing in "Rocketman," but with John himself producing, we're guessing Egerton be lip-synching.

Hardy, in the meantime, had a huge hit with "Mad Max: Fury Road," got his first Oscar nomination for "The Revenant," produced and starred in the TV series "Taboo" and has a key role in Christopher Nolan's critically acclaimed "Dunkirk."

Hardy also played both Kray twins in "Legend" -- which costarred Egerton as one of gay brother Ronny's boyfriends.

[Via The Playlist]