Michael Gracey will direct a biopic on Sir Elton John.

The director has officially signed on to helm 'Rocketman', the upcoming biographical musical film about the 'Candle in the Wind' hitmaker's life.

The film will be produced by the iconic singer's Rocket Pictures production company based on a script from 'Billy Elliot' writer Lee Hall.

Gracey told Deadline.com: ''Everyone knows and loves Elton John's music, but the true story of his life is so incredible that it can only be described as a fantasy. His journey from impossible dreamer to stardom and uncontrollable excess is something only a musical film can capture, and I'm so excited to be the one to tell his story.''

Rocket Pictures CEO Steve Hamilton Shaw added: ''Michael has an innovative, imaginative and compelling vision for the film. We want to create an experience that surprises and moves audiences and knew immediately that he was the perfect director to take them on this journey.''

The musical film will follow the singer's life from five-year-old musical prodigy to his glittering music career selling more than 250 million records over four decades.

Cast director Jessica Ronane has been tasked with finding a young ingénue to play a young version of John. Her previous credits include 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' and 'Matilda'.