Baz Luhrmann announced he would make an Elvis Presley biopic a whopping eight years ago. And at last, it will finally arrive this year. Usually, for a project of this nature, that long stretch indicates some development nightmares—with several directors cycling through. But it sounds like Luhrmann has been jiving and vibing this whole time because at last we have some footage. As its title, Elvis, suggests, the film is about the iconic crooner, played by Austin Butler.
But more specifically, the trailer focuses on his relationship with his manager, Colonel Tom Parker. Tom Hanks, who plays Parker, giving serious accent in the trailer.
So much happens in the trailer—from the Penguin-esque prosthetics on Hanks (and the aforementioned non-specific very apparent accent) to the very pink pants. This movie looks so chaotic and I can 100% guarantee I will watch. As for Butler, he certainly looks the part. It’s a far cry from his very blonde Disney Channel and Nickelodeon days.
Here is the synopsis from Warner Bros.:
The film explores the life and music of Elvis Presley (Butler), seen through the prism of his complicated relationship with his enigmatic manager, Colonel Tom Parker (Hanks). The story delves into the complex dynamic between Presley and Parker spanning over 20 years, from Presley’s rise to fame to his unprecedented stardom, against the backdrop of the evolving cultural landscape and loss of innocence in America. Central to that journey is one of the most significant and influential people in Elvis’s life, Priscilla Presley (Olivia DeJonge).
The film also stars Helen Thomson and Richard Roxburgh. Rounding out the cast are Luke Bracey, Natasha Bassett,David Wenham, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Xavier Samuel, Dacre Montgomery, and Kodi Smit-McPhee. Naturally, Luhrmann directs, also snagging a writing and “story by” credit. Additionally Sam Bromell, Craig Pearce, and Jeremy Doner are also credited screenwriters. (Doner also gets the “story by” mention.)
Start brushing up on the “Jailhouse Rock” now because the film arrives on June 24, 2022. And because this is a Baz Luhrmann, it’s going to be a wild, musical ride.