'Elvis': All you need to know about Austin Butler-starrer biopic
The king of rock and roll is back! Elvis, the upcoming film by Warner Bros., narrates "King" Elvis Presley's life and rise to fame. It will also explore the "complex dynamic" with his manager and his "unprecedented stardom, against the backdrop of the evolving cultural landscape and the loss of innocence in America." Here's all you need to know about the film.
The film was presented at the Cannes Film Festival on Wednesday. It reportedly received a 12-minute standing ovation—the longest one for the festival so far! After the premiere, which left many emotional, a teary-eyed Butler gave Priscilla Presley, the late king's ex-wife, a warm hug.
The makers of Elvis recently dropped the second trailer which showcases the legendary star's dramatic life. Presley's (Austin Butler) many controversies are highlighted in the trailer. His 20-year-long relationship with manager Colonel Tom Parker (Tom Hanks) is also brought under the lens. The 3:11-minute-long clip also shows how "Elvis, the God" was loved and worshipped by his fans for his music and appeal.
Because you asked for it. @elvismovie in theaters June 24. #TCB pic.twitter.com/NHMC8TDC9T
— Baz Luhrmann (@bazluhrmann) May 23, 2022
In 2005-2007, Butler appeared in a couple of shows on Disney and Nickelodeon. His first television stint was in CSI: Miami. Butler also performed in Broadway shows in 2014. Apparently, Elvis director Baz Luhrmann showed interest in casting Butler after watching one of his Broadway performances. The Dead Don't Die marked Butler's Hollywood debut. He also featured in Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood.
Reportedly, Harry Styles and Ansel Elgort were considered to essay Presley's role. Ultimately, Butler bagged the chance. Luhrmann wanted someone who could evoke the "inner vulnerability of the artist." After numerous screen testing and workshops, he found his Elvis in Butler. "I knew unequivocally that I had found someone who could embody the spirit of one of the world's most iconic musical figures."
Butler underwent voice coaching a year before shooting began. "When I began the process, I set out to get my voice to be identical. That instills fear," he revealed in an interview. He studied Presley's films and concerts extensively. Luhrmann stated that Butler voiced the star's younger version, and a blend of Presley's tapes and Butler's voice were used for his midlife version.
Besides Butler who portrays Presley and Hanks who appears as Parker, the film also features actors Olivia DeJonge and Natasha Bassett in pivotal roles. The biopic also boasts songs from leading artists like Eminem, Doja Cat, CeeLo Green, Jack White, Tame Impala, and Maneskin. Presley's original songs will also be included in the musical. Elvis is scheduled for a theatrical release on June 24.
