The second night of the London Film Festival was an unforgettable occasion, as the American Express Gala hosted the European premiere of Elton John: Never Too Late, the highly anticipated Disney+ documentary. The star-studded event featured a who’s who of guests, with Elton John himself leading the charge alongside a number of familiar faces from his life and career.
A Star-Studded Red Carpet
The red carpet was filled with iconic figures, all eager to support Elton John and celebrate his remarkable legacy. Elton was joined by his husband, David Furnish, along with a group of talented and influential friends. Among the celebrities were singer Lulu, actor and godson Damien Hurley, singer and collaborator Olly Alexander, actress Vanessa Williams, and documentary co-director R.J. Cutler. The excitement and admiration for Elton John was evident as each guest shared heartfelt thoughts about the music legend.
Elton’s Heartfelt Words
Elton John took a moment to reflect on the importance of using his success to make a positive difference. “I do love helping people… If people need help, I’m usually on the phone, that’s what I’ve been able to do with my success and it’s one of the great, great rewards of being successful, is to help people,” he said. His generous spirit was evident as he discussed the ongoing impact of his philanthropic efforts.
David Furnish: A Unique Perspective
David Furnish, a key collaborator in both the documentary and Elton’s career, shared an insight into the process of creating the film. “The litmus test was when Elton saw the film and he said, ‘I’ve never seen any of this before, like most of it is a complete surprise to me.’ Because Elton’s life is so well known, but the challenge for us as collaborators was to present it to the world in a way they’ve never seen before,” he explained. The candid and honest portrayal of Elton’s life is a unique aspect of the documentary.
Olly Alexander Celebrates British Music Legacy
Singer and actor Olly Alexander, who has worked closely with Elton John, spoke about the significance of the night. “It’s just great to be here celebrating Elton’s legacy at the American Express Gala BFI Film Festival. I think British music has had such a huge impact on the world, and obviously, Elton is a major, major part of that,” said Alexander. His admiration for Elton’s global influence was shared by many who attended the event.
A Heartfelt Comment from Godson Damien Hurley
Elton’s godson, Damien Hurley, also shared his thoughts on the documentary. “It’s even more heart-shattering than Rocketman, which is quite hard,” he said, highlighting the emotional depth of the documentary and its exploration of Elton’s life.
Vanessa Williams on Elton’s Raw Honesty
Actress and singer Vanessa Williams, who is also set to star in Elton John’s highly anticipated Devil Wears Prada musical, praised the documentary for its raw and honest approach. “I know it’s going to be brilliant and raw and honest. But that’s who he is,” she commented, offering her support for the intimate portrayal of Elton’s journey.
Co-Director R.J. Cutler Reflects on the Filmmaking Experience
Co-director R.J. Cutler spoke about the unique access the film crew had to Elton’s life, saying, “We were welcomed into the family of Elton’s touring, the family of Elton’s life, and were able to create the family of this film.” His words reflected the deep trust Elton placed in the filmmakers to tell his story authentically.
Elton John: Never Too Late Premieres on Disney+
Elton John: Never Too Late follows the music and fashion icon as he reflects on his incredible musical legacy. The documentary offers an inside look at the personal and professional life of one of the world’s most beloved artists. The film will be available for streaming on Disney+ starting December 13th, offering fans a unique glimpse into the heart of Elton John’s world.
Conclusion
The European premiere of Elton John: Never Too Late at the American Express Gala was a celebration not only of Elton’s extraordinary career but also of the close-knit relationships he has forged with those around him. With heartfelt comments from friends, collaborators, and family members, the event showcased the immense love and respect Elton John continues to inspire. Fans can look forward to the documentary’s release next month, where they will discover even more about the man behind the music.