Richard Madden channels James Bond in a dapper white tuxedo on the red carpet for the premiere of Rocketman at Cannes Film Festival

He stars in the Elton John biopic Rocketman as the iconic musician's former manager and lover John Reid.

But it appeared Richard Madden was channelling James Bond at the star-studded premiere of the film, at Cannes Film Festival, on Thursday night. 

The Bodyguard heartthrob, 32, cut a dapper figure in a white custom-made Giorgio Armani tuxedo jacket with black trousers and a bow tie.

He posed with his co-stars Taron Egerton, who plays Elton in the biopic, Bryce Dallas Howard - who plays Elton's mother Sheila Eileen, Kit Connor - who plays young Elton and the film's director Dexter Fletcher.

Richard and Taron appeared in good spirits as they waved animatedly to fans in the crowds, playfully posing for photos. 

Also on the red carpet with the cast was Elton John himself and his husband David Furnish, who have been heavily involved in the production.  

The film tells the story of Elton John's rise to the top and his eventual collaboration with Bernie Taupin, who he collaborated with to produce the 1972 hit song Rocketman.  

Richard recently spoke to The Sun about what it was like filming a nude sex scene with Egerton for a scene where the musician loses his virginity to his music manager. 

He said: 'Sex scenes are never fun to shoot but I only ever do these things if there’s a real justification for them.

'This is the first time Elton ever had sex with anyone so that’s why it’s a relevant scene, in terms of his progression.'

There has also been plenty of speculation Richard would take over as the new James Bond following his acclaimed performance on The Bodyguard. 

But the Scottish heartthrob quashed the rumours saying 'it's all just noise'.

He told the publication : 'It's all just noise. By March, there will be another British TV show with another young male actor, and then he'll be the next James Bond for the following two months.' 

The 2019 Cannes Film Festival takes place at the iconic Palais des Festivals from Tuesday until May 25.