Emily Mack
The Elvis movie is finally (almost) here! Following a long hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, director Baz Luhrmann’s biopic hits theaters on June 24. And just 45 days later, it will be available on the at-home streaming service HBO Max.
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The ‘Elvis’ Trailer
Under the colorful tutelage of Baz Luhrmann, who directed such maximal marvels as The Great Gatsby and Moulin Rouge, the upcoming Elvis will chart Presley’s rise and span decades of the singer’s life. The casting of Tom Hanks as Elvis’ notorious manager Colonel Tom Parker first garnered significant buzz. Now take a look at the rest of the star-studded cast.
Elvis Presley: Austin Butler
Although you might have expected a real-life Elvis impersonator to snag the part, actor Austin Butler was officially cast almost three years ago. It’s been a long time coming for this film.
Amid casting rumors that involved Harry Styles and Ansel Elgort, Butler was a lesser known name in the mix. He gained famed playing heartthrob Sebastian Kidd on CW’s The Carrie Diaries, though you probably recognize him from his chilling portrayal of Manson devotee Tex Watson in Once Upon A Time… In Hollywood.
And like the famous runner-ups for the role, Butler can sing as well as act. But before achieving stardom, he was mostly known as the boyfriend of fellow Disney kid Vanessa Hudgens. They dated for nearly a decade before just calling it quits in 2020. Soon after, Butler was romantically linked to Elvis co-star Olivia DeJonge and is now dating Kaia Gerber, Cindy Crawford’s daughter.
But of course, there’s only one question on everyone’s minds… Does he really look like Elvis? We’ll find out soon whether Butler pulls it off.
The Colonel: Tom Hanks
By now we all know the incredible Tom Hanks will lend his talents to the complicated role of Colonel Tom Parker, Elvis’ controlling business manager. With his national reputation as such a kind soul, it will be fascinating to watch this Oscar-winning actor take on darker aspects of the Colonel’s legacy in Elvis. It will also be, possibly, hilarious to hear him with a thick German accent.
Priscilla Presley: Olivia DeJonge
Olivia DeJonge, a 24-year-old Australian actress, has appeared in The Society on Netflix and starred in M. Night Shyamalan’s The Visit. Though her filmography may be brief, we are excited to see the relative newcomer transform into Elvis’s young bride Priscilla Presley. It will be a rare treat to watch Priscilla’s strange love affair with the enigmatic King of Rock and Roll unfold on screen. No doubt the chemistry is there since DeJonge has been spotted dating her handsome co-star.
Gladys Presley: Maggie Gyllenhaal
The relationship between Elvis and his mother Gladys Presley has always fascinated fans. “Please don’t take my baby away!” Elvis famously sobbed at her funeral and threw his body over the coffin. Although their bond was certainly close — they even shared a bed for some time — details of the Presley home remain a mystery even to Elvis obsessives. Now it’s up to veteran actress Maggie Gyllenhaal to provide new depth to this overlooked character who so defined the life and loves of Elvis Presley.
In addition to this core cast, the film will also feature Yola as Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Luke Bracey as Jerry Schilling, Kelvin Harrison Jr. as B.B. King, Dacre Montgomery as Steve Binde, Helen Thomson as Gladys Presley, Richard Roxburgh as Vernon Presley, and David Wenham as Hank Snow. Which characters are you most looking forward to?
WATCH: The Original Elvis Impersonator: Andy Kaufman Does Elvis Presley on Johnny Carson’s ‘Tonight Show’
Editor’s Note: A version of article was originally published on January 19, 2021.
