Watch the first teaser footage from Baz Luhrmann’s ‘Elvis’ biopic
The film about the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll starring Austin Butler and Tom Hanks will arrive June 24, 2022
Baz Luhrmann has shared the first footage from his upcoming ‘Elvis’ biopic starring Austin Butler and Tom Hanks.
Taking to Instagram for ‘Elvis Monday’, where the ‘Moulin Rouge’ director has shared content of the singer over the past few weeks, he wrote: “Made a little something to let you good people know we are taking care of business on June 24, 2022.”
The footage depicts The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll (Austin Butler) striding backstage as echoed lines from ‘Suspicious Minds’ plays.
The “taking care of business” reference calls back to Presley’s return to touring in 1969 when he titled his band with the same name. ‘Suspicious Minds’ would also become The King’s comeback hit, making it his first number one song in seven years.
Hanks will play Elvis’ manager Colonel Tom Parker, while Australia actress Olivia DeJonge will play Priscilla Presley.
According to Warner Bros, the film will “delve into their [Presley and Parker] complex dynamic spanning over 20 years, from Presley’s rise to fame to his unprecedented stardom, against the backdrop of the evolving cultural landscape and the loss of innocence in America.”
Luhrmann previously told The Hollywood Reporter about the importance of casting Elvis for the film.
“I knew I couldn’t make this film if the casting wasn’t absolutely right, and we searched thoroughly for an actor with the ability to evoke the singular natural movement and vocal qualities of this peerless star, but also the inner vulnerability of the artist,” he said.
“Throughout the casting process, it was an honor for me to encounter such a vast array of talent. I had heard about Austin Butler from his standout role opposite Denzel Washington in ‘The Iceman Cometh’ on Broadway, and through a journey of extensive screen testing and music and performance workshops, I knew unequivocally that I had found someone who could embody the spirit of one of the world’s most iconic musical figures.”
At the ‘Once Upon a Time… In Hollywood’ premiere in July 2019, Butler told Entertainment Tonight about the “honour” of landing the highly sought after role.
“I am just profoundly honored that Baz has invited me on this journey with him,” he said. “It’s an extraordinary privilege. And I just feel so blessed to be working with such singular directors like him and Quentin Tarantino.”