
Paramount Pictures, the studio behind the upcoming Elton John biopic, Rocketman, is reportedly demanding that a 40-second gay nude scene be cut from the film.
The scene in question features actors Taron Egerton, who plays the ‘Tiny Dancer’ singer, and Richard Madden, who plays his manager John Reid, naked in bed together. Though both actors bare bottoms are shown, apparently intercourse is not involved.
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The request from Paramount is apparently because the studio wants to avoid a possible R rating from the MPAA, which they fear would hurt their chances at the box office. It’s possible they’re hoping to replicate the success of last year’s Bohemian Rhapsody, which has brought in nearly $900 million worldwide.
Rocketman, directed by Derek Fletcher and written by Lee Hall, is scheduled to be released in the UK on May 24 and the US on May 31.