The LA-based company has dropped a huge project into the market and will commence sales in Cannes on the Rocket Pictures biopic about Elton John.

Michael Gracey will direct the musically inspired retelling of John’s tumultuous and uplifting story, from his origins as a musical prodigy to a world-renowned career as one of the greatest songwriters and performers in history. Lee Hall wrote the screenplay.

Rocket Pictures CEO Steve Hamilton Shaw and David Furnish will produce, while John himself will serve as executive producer. 

“We’re excited to be bringing this musical event movie to Cannes.” said Shaw. “It’s bold, brave and inspirational. Good Universe has great commercial sensibility and we’re delighted to have them represent us.”

“Much like the life of Elton John the man, Rocketman is the larger-than-life movie spectacle that brilliantly captures the universal struggle of self-love that we all face,” said Good Universe co-founder Joe Drake. “Director Michael Gracey’s vision for this movie is overflowing with everything that makes for great event cinema. We pulled out all the stops to join Rocket Pictures on this incredible film.”

UTA Independent Film Group represents US rights and negotiated the deal for Shaw with Drake and Good Universe evp of international Michael Meyer.