Producers have cut a nude scene from ‘Rocketman’ so it will have a lower age rating.
Bosses requested that director Dexter Fletcher cut a 40-second scene from the Elton John biopic in which Taron Egerton as the musician and Richard Madden as Elton’s manager John Reid are lying together naked on a bed so it can achieve the American rating PG 13 – equivalent to a British 12A.
A source told the Daily Mail newspaper: "Two guys have a naked cuddle to express their love for each other and that will be reduced to a fully dressed warm hello. The world knows Elton’s gay it’s no secret."
The publication also claimed that Elton himself was keen for his wild life and career to be told accurately on the big screen and insisted filmmakers could "Tell it all. Go as G-rated as you need to".
Despite earning plaudits from people who have seen him as the ‘Rocketman’ singer, Taron, 29, has confessed that he doesn’t want to know" when the musician watches the film but he does really want Elton, 71, to be pleased with his portrayal of him.
Speaking on ‘The Late Late Show with James Corden’, he previously said: "He’s so universally loved, and I just want to make him happy really. Just getting over the pressure of it and having a good time."
Host James then inquired as to when Elton will see it, and Taron quickly laughed and replied: "I don’t want to know!"
Music producer Giles Martin previously revealed that his friend Elton is more than happy with Taron’s takes on his most famous songs for the film, even though he hasn’t yet seen the final edit of the movie.
Giles – who worked on the music on the upcoming movie – revealed: "Elton said, ‘I don’t think I have heard anyone sing my songs better than Taron.’ And the great thing about Elton, he wants Taron’s interpretation for the songs."