Baz Luhrmann’sElvis Presley biopichas just found its Priscilla, saysVariety. Aussie actressOlivia DeJongewill playPriscilla PresleyoppositeAustin Butler(Once Upon a Time in Hollywood), who will play the King. The cast also boastsTom Hanksas Elvis’ manager,Col. Tom Parkerin a story centering on the relationship between the iconic singer and his manager, as wereported back in July.
DeJong is best known for her roles on Netflix’sThe Society, whose second season will premiere in 2020, andM. Night Shyamalan’s 2015 horror-thrillerThe Visit. The still-untitled Elvis biopic is not due for release until June 30, 2025.
A recent spate of musical biographies have likely inspired this one, as well as theAretha Franklinfilm—Respect—and another on “As Tears Go By” singerMarianne Faithfull, which wereported on yesterday. But Elvis is perhaps the loftiest musical territory yet. The presence of Hanks, combined with Luhrmann’s flamboyant style, ensures a broad appeal for this project, which could result in a breakout role for DeJonge.
Said Luhrmann of DeJonge’s talent:
“Olivia is capable of manifesting the complex depth and presence that has made Priscilla Presley an icon in her own right. She’s an extremely talented young actor and the perfect counterpoint to Austin’s Elvis.”
It was 1959 when Priscilla first met Elvis in Germany. She was only 14 at the time. Their relationship would develop from that point, despite a 10-year age gap. They were engaged in 1966 and married the following year. However, the marriage only lasted until 1973.
The project was written by Luhrmann and his longtime collaboratorCraig Pearce, who pennedStrictly Ballroom,Romeo + Juliette,Moulin Rouge!, andThe Great Gatsbyfor the director. It will be Luhrmann’s first feature project sinceGatsby, though he helmed an episode ofThe Get Downin 2016, a series he also co-created.
Production is scheduled to begin in early 2020 in Luhrmann’s native Australia, where he also filmedGatsby, proving the country can play the U.S., with a healthy dose of green screen and digital effects of course.
