According to the Hollywood Reporter, Emile Hirsch has been cast as comedy legend John Belushi, in the Steve Conrad directed biopic simply named Belushi. Conrad’s film will follow the heights reached by Belushi’s comedic genius, as well as his self-induced downfall and eventual death at the hands of drugs and alcohol.

Hirsch undoubtedly has some ridiculously large shoes to fill. Considering the relative recency of Belushi’s body of work, easy access to his “Greatest Hits Clips” could render any missteps in portrayal by Hirsch as a fodder for tough critics. However, John Belushi’s friend and SNL co-star, Dan Aykroyd will serve as the film’s executive producer, which may alleviate audience’s worries at some extent or perhaps usher in a different set of uneasy feelings. Hopefully, we can expect an honest attempt from Aykroyd to tribute his dear friend on the silver screen, rather than another “the time is ripe” cash grab. Jim Carrey proved a similar feat possible with his portrayal of comic legend Andy Kaufman in Man on the Moon. Perhaps Hirsch should give him a call. Filming is set to start in New York early next year. 

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It seems that these days everyone just has to have their own biopic. Apparently, there’s not even a need to wait until they passed away anymore as Tom Hardy has just been secured to play world famous pianist and pop sensation Elton John in Rocketman. Known more for playing brutish lunks like Bronson, Bane, and Tommy from Warrior, a gay pop singer is quite a departure from the norm for Hardy. However unexpected the casting, it’s surely an interesting choice for a performer on the brink of the A-list.

To be directed by Michael Gracey, who will see his directorial debut with The Greatest Showman on Earth starring Hugh Jackman, Rocketman will track John’s life story from childhood to his ecliptic rise to stardom. With a script from Lee Hall (Billy Elliot, War Horse) the film surely stands a chance of being a full-blown cheese factory but it’s too early to pass too much judgement. Hardy’s involvement at this point is a silver lining for a project that would otherwise sound fairly dull.

Per the official press release: Much like the man himself, Rocketman is a larger-than-life movie musical spectacle that tells the story of a child prodigy turned music legend.  Elton will re-record many of his iconic hits to parallel the emotional beats of the film that will have audiences on their feet, singing along to his much loved music.  The film is scheduled to shoot in fall 2014.

As for what Rocket Picture CEO Steve Hamilton Shaw had to say about bringing Hardy on, he added the following:

“Tom is a stellar talent who will add extraordinary depth and nuance in bringing Elton’s story to life. We are excited to have such a gifted actor on board, and equally excited to be in the hands of Peter Schlessel and the entire Focus Features team. Tom is quickly becoming known as one of the world’s most versatile actors, and like others at the top of their craft, he has proven his ability to transform himself completely into the character or subject found in the material. We are confident that Tom will embody the physicality and spirit of Sir Elton.  This, in conjunction with the creative team led by Michael and Rocket Pictures, will provide the foundation for something that will be a unique cinematic event.”

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