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Priscilla Presley, the ex-wife to Elvis Presley, received a private screening of the upcoming biopic starring Austin Butler last week which was reportedly hosted by director Baz Luhrmann at Warner Studios. In a status update posted to Facebook, Presley praised the Australian director and gushed over the Butler’s portrayal of her late husband.
“It is a true story told brilliantly and creatively that only Baz, in his unique artistic way, could have delivered,” she wrote on social media. “Austin Butler, who played Elvis is outstanding.”
Presley viewed the forthcoming film alongside former Memphis Mafia member, Jerry Schilling. “Halfway through the film Jerry and I looked at each other and said WOW!!! Bravo to him…he knew he had big shoes to fill. He was extremely nervous playing this part. I can only imagine.”
She went on to address the performance of Tom Hanks who portrays Elvis’ talent manager, Colonel Parker. “There was two sides to Colonel, Jerry and I witnessed both. The story, as we all know, does not have a happy ending. But I think you will understand a little bit more of Elvis’ journey, penned by a directer who put his heart and soul and many hours into this film.”
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Butler explained he underwent vocal training to emulate the voice and singing of the lauded King of Rock. “When I began the process, I set out to get my voice to be identical. That instills fear. So that got the fire burning,” he told the publication. “I feel such a responsibility to Elvis and to [ex-wife] Priscilla and [daughter] Lisa Marie, and all the people around the world who love him so much.”
The film was over two years in the making after production was halted due to the 2020 worldwide lockdown. Luhrmann, Butler and Australian actress Olivia DeJonge will appear at the local premiere of ELVIS in the Gold Coast on June 4.
