Tom Hardy to play Elton John in biopic "Rocketman"

Tom Hardy has signed on for the leading role in a biopic about Elton John.

"The Dark Knight Rises" star will play the legendary performer in Rocket Pictures' "Rocketman," producers announced Wednesday (he wasfirst linked to the project back in May). Focus Features will release the film in the U.S.

Described as a "larger-than-life movie musical spectacle," the film will trace John's life story from child prodigy to music superstar.

John will re-record many of his hits to match up with the emotional beats of the film, the announcement added.

Hardy, 36, played the villain Bane in the final film of Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy. His other film credits include "Inception," "Lawless" and the upcoming "Mad Max" reboot, "Mad Max: Fury Road."

"Rocketman" will be directed by Michael Gracey (who helmed the upcoming "The Greatest Showman on Earth," starring Hugh Jackman) with a screenplay by Academy Award nominee Lee Hall ("War Horse").

The film is scheduled to begin shooting in the fall of 2014.