A movie script has already been written about Elton John‘s life by Lee Hall (“Billy Elliott).
It was but one revelation by Sir Elton during a freewheeling meeting with the media Friday afternoon ostensibly to promote Disney’s Feb. 11 release of Touchstone Pictures’ 3D animated film “Gnomeo & Juliet,” featuring classic and original songs from executive producer Elton John, who was perfectly game to answer any and all questions dealing with his new son, gay marriage, gardening, politics, his eye surgery, doing live concerts, his career, the upcoming Royal wedding and, oh yes, the movie.
Despite being invited in advance to videotape the press conference, an announcement restricting cameras just as it was starting forced us to be inconspicuous so we apologize for the hidden camera look of the following 4 1/2-minutes of video highlights of John’s comments.
<Story continues below the video.>
Among the interesting comments related to the movie (aside from John saying he loved gardens but hates gardening), was his revealing that it was former Disney Studios chief Dick Cook who suggested that John use his pop hits in relating Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet through the eyes of porcelain garden gnomes come to life. The British production has been in the works for 11 years.
Sir Elton told 3DHollywood.net on his way out of the press conference that it was only very recently that the decision was made to release the movie in 3D once Disney gave the green light.
One of the many comments by John that drew a big laugh from the media throng that we did not include on the video was his response to a question about whether he would be performing at this summer’s royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. “They will probably get Barry Manilow to sing,” he said. “Someone younger and more attractive.”
— By Scott Hettrick