Elton John Reunites With “Rocketman” Star Taron Egerton for ‘Brilliant Birthday Surprise’

Angelique BrenesThu, March 26, 2026 at 1:40 AM UTC

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Elton John visits SiriusXM's 'The Howard Stern Show,' Taron Egerton attends the 2026 Vanity Fair Oscar PartyCredit: Cindy Ord/Getty; Neilson Barnard/Getty -

Elton John reunited with Taron Egerton for a birthday lunch

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 John had a very special guest by his side for his birthday celebration.

The Grammy Award-winning icon reunited with Taron Egerton, who portrayed him in the 2019 biopic Rocketman, for what John called a “brilliant birthday surprise" in a heartfelt Instagram post 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 of Rocketman, which saw Egerton take on the role of the legendary singer. At the time, the casting sparked criticism from 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 told The Sun in 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 also addressed the conversation. In an interview with The 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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Elton John and Taron Egerton attend the 27th annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing PartyCredit: Michael Kovac/Getty

Since filming, the two have maintained a close friendship that has extended beyond the screen, including a joint performance at the Cannes Film Festival before 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 praised Egerton’s portrayal, saying, “I don’t see an actor, I see myself.”

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”