We’ve got a couple of casting stories to share today.  First up, an unlikely actor is being eyed to topline the Elton John biopic Rocketman.  Commercials helmer Michael Gracey was tapped to direct the film this past March, and HitFix now reports that the project is out to Tom Hardy to take on the life of John in the film.  The pic is described as a “radically different” kind of biopic, as the story is told in a non-linear, hyper-visual manner complete with choreographed sequences set to John’s songs.  Hardy does not have an offer to star nor is he in formal negotiations, but apparently the Dark Knight Rises actor is being considered for the lead role.  Hardy has a knack for disappearing into all kinds of difference characters, and I would absolutely love to see him transform into Elton John for the unique-sounding Rocketman.

Hit the jump for casting news concerning the indie drama Strings.

Additionally, Variety reports that X-Men: First Class star Lucas Till, Maria Bello, and Tom Everett Scott have been cast in the ensemble drama Strings.  The story centers on a talented DJ who “succumbs to the pressures of the industry and sets out to find himself on a trip to his father’s house in North Dakota.”  As one does, the protagonist comes across a girl on his travels that has an “instant impact” on his life.  Till will lead the film, but the nature of Bello and Scott’s roles are unknown.  Daniel Duran is directing and producing from a script by Oscar Torres.