Timberlake's Elton tantrum

Music

13:30 03 March 2005

Justin Timberlake is refusing to play Elton John in a new movie about his life unless it features wild scenes of sex and drugs, it has been claimed.

The pop heartthrob was handpicked by the flamboyant star to play him after striking a deal with Disney last month.

However, Justin says he was shocked to discover the script made no mention of Elton's legendary drug-fuelled parties in the '70s and has demanded that studio bosses include them in the movie.

Top executives working on the £20million film have now ordered a massive rewrite in a bid to keep the 'Cry Me a River' singer on board.

Justin is quoted by Britain's Daily Star newspaper as saying: "Knowing what a wild existence Sir Elton has led I thought, 'Wow, you're offering me that role?' But when I read the script all the wild stuff had been left out.

"I told the studio that it would have to be warts-and-all so that's what it's going to be. I can't wait to get started."

The film will chart Elton's meteoric rise from his humble beginnings as Reg Dwight to becoming one of the world's biggest stars.

The ageing singer said he was desperate for Justin to accept the part after being impressed with the Justin's portrayal of a young Elton in one of his recent music videos.

(c) BANG Media International