Elton John reunited with Taron Egerton for a birthday lunch
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The pair first connected during the making of Rocketman and have remained close since
Both have previously spoken out about Egerton's casting and their bond beyond the film
Elton Johnhad a very special guest by his side for his birthday celebration.
The Grammy Award-winning icon reunited withTaron Egerton, who portrayed him in the 2019 biopicRocketman, for what John called a "brilliant birthday surprise" in a heartfeltInstagrampost shared Wednesday, March 25.
"Rocket Man squared," John wrote. "A brilliant birthday surprise having @taron.egerton join us for lunch. Thank you @davidfurnish for making today and every day feel special, and to all of you for the love, messages and support."
The reunion comes years after the pair first connected during the making ofRocketman, which saw Egerton take on the role of the legendary singer. At the time, the castingsparked criticismfrom some who questioned the decision to cast a straight actor as a gay man.
John quickly shut down the backlash. "That's all bulls—, I'm sorry," he toldThe Sunin 2019. "If people don't like it, review-wise, or it doesn't make one dollar, it's the movie I wanted to make and that's all that counts. I can look back and say, 'You know what, I love it. I can live with it.'"
Egerton has alsoaddressed the conversation. In an interview withThe Hollywood Reporter, he shared his perspective on portraying different sexualities on screen.
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"For me, kissing a man onscreen is no less appealing than kissing a woman onscreen," he said ahead of the film's release. "I'm not in any way repulsed by the male form. It's an uncomfortable thing regardless of who you're with."
He added, "It makes no difference as to your sexual preference."
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Since filming, the two have maintained a close friendship that has extended beyond the screen, includinga joint performanceat theCannes Film Festivalbefore the movie's premiere.
John began playing his 1983 hit "I'm Still Standing" on the piano before Egerton joined him onstage, with the duo going on to perform "Rocketman," the 1972 song that inspired the film's title.
John has previously praisedEgerton's portrayal, saying, "I don't see an actor, I see myself."
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