The new Elvis biopic is out – Here’s everything to know
Baz Luhrmann’s musical drama movie “Elvis” first trailer is out now. An Elvis Presley biopic that was rumored in Hollywood a couple of years ago is now a movie. It will hit theaters on June 24, 2022. While the first full trailer dropped on February 17, the Australian director had already revealed the release date back in November.
Austin Butler will play the role of Elvis as he shakes and rolls throughout the film. A film that will bring The King back to life while exploring his life and music. As told through the view of his complicated relationship with his mysterious manager, Colonel Tom Parker.
Hey, it’s time to TCB!⚡️
I’ll have a trailer to share with you all on Thursday…#Elvis #TCB #ElvisMonday pic.twitter.com/NETP7mk1eA
— Baz Luhrmann (@bazluhrmann) February 14, 2022
Starting with the stars who landed the roles, here’s what we know so far. The star of the movie Austin Butler as Elvis already appeared in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in…. Hollywood. He played a small role as part of the Manson family’s Tex Watson. According to some sources, there are huge names who all swayed their way to land the role of Elvis. Austin Butler beat the other Elvis’ role aspirants like Harry Styles, Miles Teller, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Ansel Elgort.
However, the Oscar-winning director Baz Luhrmann has his eyes on Butler. A Hollywood newcomer who is an Australian actress Olivia Dejonge will play the part of Priscilla.
I thought of a title for the film… ELVIS
What do you think? Makes a lot of sense…⚡️#ElvisMovie #TCB @ElvisMovie pic.twitter.com/Olr5YKF0Ud
— Baz Luhrmann (@bazluhrmann) February 17, 2022
Last week, the trailer was promoted at an event. Where 30-year-old Butler said that he had undergone extensive voice training. He trained for six days a week to sound like Presley. When he was luckily chosen for a much-coveted role three years ago.
Butler said, “That’s what got the fire burning inside of me. Ultimately it’s life that’s important. You can impersonate somebody. But it’s to find the life within, to find the heart.”
The Leads in Elvis Biopic
He added, “Elvis is such an icon and he’s held up to superhuman status. To find the human within that icon, that was a real joy.”
Tom Hanks will play the role of Elvis’s manager. Colonel Tom Parker is a former carnival worker who debuted Elvis’s career in the mid-‘50s. His manager started his career by signing a contract for him at RCA. And he stayed with Elvis until he died in 1977.
Elvis’s manager Parker saw his potential even at a young age. As Elvis pulled audiences, particularly young female fans toward his enigmatic music. Parker is known to have a tight grip over Elvis’s career. Getting a huge cut from his wealth and influencing every little professional decision and even his personal matters.
These shots in the #ElvisMovie/ #Elvis trailer hooked me. So much symbolism and emotion in these beautifully composed frames. pic.twitter.com/FOKYOIYfbI
— Courtney Howard (@Lulamaybelle) February 17, 2022
Director Luhrmann said, “The Colonel goes, I have no ear for music, but I can see what he’s doing to that audience.”
For over three decades, the remarkable power of Elvis’ influence blew America until his last breath. Luhrmann added, “ What’s extraordinary is that Elvis’ life is culturally the center of the ’50s, the ’60s, and the ’70s. So that’s what drew me into the story. That and a man named Colonel Tom Parker.”
One of the spotlights of the biopic is one of the most influential and significant people in Elvis’ life, Prisicilla Presley, his wife.
The Plot and Designs
Director Luhrmann, who also made “The Great Gatsby” a legendary movie, made a wide-range plot. The musical biopic will offer viewers a magnificent mid-century American music scene. The movie is expected to start from the KIng’s early childhood in Tupelo Mississippi. Up to when he died at his Graceland mansion.
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Audiences should also watch out for plenty of cameos from other musicians including Little Richard (Alton Mason, and B.B. King (Kelvin Harrison Jr.)
On a side note, the wardrobe and costumes are also spectacular. Oscar-winning Catherine Martin handled the costumes in this biopic. She has worked with Luhrmann on The Great Gatsby and Moulin Rouge. Expect the lavish showcase of Elvis wardrobes that can match the royalties. He once wore a gold suit on the cover of one of his albums. He also covered a limo with crushed diamonds.
