Elvis is the most anticipated musical of the year, with the biographical drama bringing on board some big-name talent. It’s been written and directed by Baz Luhrmann, the filmmaker behind hits such as 2013’s The Great Gatsby, Moulin Rouge! And Romeo + Juliet. Now he is taking on The King himself in what is set to be one of the biggest musicals in years. Express.co.uk has all the details on the new biopic.
What is the release date of Elvis?
Elvis was originally set for an October 1, 2021, release date, but sadly the film was pushed back to 2022. It has suffered numerous delays caused by the pandemic. At first, it was aiming for a November 2, 2021 premiere, followed by a June 2, 2022 release.
Finally, the date has been set for June 24, 2022, with all signs currently pointing to this premiere sticking. It will receive an exclusive cinema release globally but will be available to stream on HBO Max in the USA 45 days after the theatrical release.
It was first reported to be getting a release date on HBO Max and in cinemas concurrently in 2021. Warner Brothers decided to drop this practice last year, allowing its films time to shine on the big screen.
READ MORE: Matteo Bocelli performs beautiful acoustic White Christmas: New video
Who is in the cast of Elvis?
Once Upon a Time… In Hollywood star, Austin Butler will be putting on the blue suede shoes as Elvis Presley. He is also known for The Dead Don’t Die, Yoga Hosers and The Intruders. It was reported that there was fierce competition for the main role, with other big names floating around the production such as Ansel Elgort, Miles Teller and Harry Styles.
Joining Butler is Tom Hanks as Colonel Tom Parker, Elvis’ manager. The Toy Story star gave fans their first look at his transformation for the role on The Graham Norton Show, showing his new bald look.
Speaking with Stephen Colbert on The Late Show, Hanks said that Parker was “both a genius and a scoundrel.” He also revealed how Elvis’ ex-wife Priscilla Presley defended the manager, calling him “wonderful.”
Lurhmann shared his thoughts on Parker and what he is trying to achieve in the film, saying: “When it comes to Colonel Tom Parker, I really enjoy – one of my great joys in life is working with well-known actors who are very well known for certain strings on their instrument.
“But I thrill at the idea of being useful, just supportive, in allowing – every actor always has so much more to give than you ever see from them. They always have so many more strings on their instrument than they get to play.
“So, one of the great thrills in working with Tom, who is the Rolls Royce of actors, I mean, you know, that is a ride you want to be on. But to be around him and let him – he’ll be playing a new string on his instrument. And I think that’s a thrilling thing to see.”
Rounding out the main cast is Kodi Smit-McPhee as singer-songwriter Jimmie Rodgers, Olivia DeJonge as Priscilla, David Wenham as country music artist Hank Snow and Dacre Montgomery as film producer Steve Binder.
DON’T MISS…
Andrea Bocelli: Elvis’ ‘extraordinary talent’ and two favourite songs [INSIGHT]
Marvel fans can’t believe unlikely Avengers star’s singing career [EXPLAINER]
Kurt Cobain’s daughter opens up on her favourite Nirvana track [INSIGHT]
Is there a trailer for Elvis?
Yes, Luhrmann shared the first teaser for the film late last year. It was just what fans needed to see after all the delays, showing the production is back on track. As part of his “Elvis Mondays” in which he has been sharing images and information about The King each week on Instagram, the director wrote: “Made a little something to let you good people know we are taking care of business on June 24, 2022.”
As just a teaser, the footage only reveals the look and tone of the film, with a slowed-down rendition of Elvis’ 1969 hit Suspicious Minds. It also gave fans their first look at Butler in the titular role, though he was mainly shot from behind or cast in shadow.
There is no word on when the first main trailer could drop, but it is expected to be soon due to the impending release date. Estimates suggest it will drop in the next couple of months.
What is the plot of Elvis?
The plot is still being kept under wraps by Warner Brothers, with no specific details being given. It will be a biopic that covers Elvis’ life, rather than a film that focuses on one aspect of it, or a short period of time.
The King’s relationship with Colonel Tom Parker and Priscilla also appears to be taking centre stage, with Hanks and DeJonge being top-billed alongside Butler.
The synopsis reads: “A look at the life of the legendary rock and roll star, Elvis Presley.”
Elvis will premiere on June 24, 2022, exclusively in cinemas.
