The King Is Coming — Baz Lurhmann Shares A First Glimpse At Austin Butler's ‘Elvis’
Monica Pagano
Marketing Executive
Warner Bros. upcoming biopic on the King of Rock & Roll, ‘Elvis’ hasn't had the easiest track to the big screen. After shooting commenced in early 2020, it was one of the first local productions to be impacted by the pandemic, when co-star Tom Hanks was hospitalised with Covid-19.
Finally, Luhrmann has unveiled a first look at the film, via a short teaser on Instagram and Twitter.
Penned by Moulin Rouge! famed writer and director, Baz Luhrmann alongside Craig Pearce and Sam Bromell, the film explores the life Elvis Presley, (Austin Butler) detailing his growth from impoverished singer to global icon, as seen through the prism of a complex, twenty-year relationship with his enigmatic manager Colonel Tom Parker (Tom Hanks).
Butler won the hotly contested role of Presley, beating out an impressive roster of talent including Harry Styles, Miles Teller and Aaron Taylor-Johnson. Rounding out the cast are Olivia DeJonge as Priscilla, Elvis’ wife, and Helen Thomson and Richard Roxburgh as Presley’s parents. Australian Stranger Things star, Dacre Montgomery will also make an appearance as Steve Binder who directed Presley’s famously televised ’68 Comeback Special.
While the film remains largely under wraps, at its core it oozes Luhrmann’s appeal, powerfully combining music, style and nostalgia. It seems Luhrmann is aptly ‘taking care of business’ with weekly postings titled “Elvis Monday” becoming a fixture on his socials.
Keep your eyes peeled, the King is coming – June 2022.