'Rocketman': Paramount Reportedly Okay With R-Rating & Will Keep Controversial Gay Love Scene In The Film

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After all the backlash the filmmakers and studio behind “Bohemian Rhapsody” felt after it was clear the film failed to really illuminate much in the way of Freddie Mercury’s queerness, all eyes were set on “Rocketman,” the upcoming Elton John rock biopic, starring Taron Egerton, because of how the film would deal with similar issues. Well, the outrage kicked into high gear last week when it was revealed that Paramount and the producers of “Rocketman” were reportedly in a battle over preserving some of the more adult scenes in the film (particularly a gay love scene).

READ MORE: China’s Censored Version Of ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ Removed Every Mention Of Freddie Mercury’s Sexuality

Now, according to THR, it looks like the producers and the studio came to an agreement, and the more gritty, sexual material that is supposed to separate “Rocketman” from something like “Bohemian Rhapsody” will remain intact, and the film is expected to garner an R-rating due to it.

The scene that sparked the social media discussion last week reportedly features “the F-word several times and includes brief rear nudity, and someone snorting cocaine.” The scene, of course, features Egerton’s character and Richard Madden’s character, both male. Many were worried that if Paramount cut the scene (in an attempt to secure a PG-13, and thus, more box office potential), it would be another example of straight-washing. Alas, it appears that Paramount is willing to keep it.

READ MORE: ‘Rocketman’: Watch Elton John & Taron Egerton Perform ‘Tiny Dancer’ Live At Oscars Party

Dexter Fletcher, the director of “Rocketman” (and interestingly enough, the man who came in to rescue “Bohemian Rhapsody”), went to Twitter to discuss this. He tweeted, “Seeing much speculation about ROCKETMAN!! That’s good! It’s still unfinished so it’s nothing but rumors. It has and always will be the no holds barred, musical fantasy that Paramount and producers passionately support and believe in. See for yourself May 24.”

“Rocketman” has always been positioned as a more “real” biopic than other films, such as “Bohemian Rhapsody,” which focused more on the music and less on the drama. The Elton John film is attempting to separate itself (for better or worse, depending on which side of the studio system you reside in) from ‘Rhapsody’ by allowing Egerton to sing John’s songs live and focusing on the more seedy aspects of the rock stars fame, including the aforementioned sex, drugs, and of course, rock and roll.

“Rocketman” is expected to hit theaters in the UK on May 24 and the US on May 31.