Following the success of Freddie Mercury biopic Bohemian Rhapsody and Elton John’s Rocketman, it was only a matter of time before an Elvis musical would be on the way. Stars such as Ansel Elgort, Harry Styles, Miles Teller and Aaron Taylor-Johnson screen-tested for Baz Luhrmann’s take on The King of Rock and Roll. But in the end, the role went to Austin Butler, who most recently stars as Manson murderer Charles “Tex” Watson in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon A Time In Hollywood. The 27-year-old natural blonde channelled Elvis’ look at the film’s premiere where he spoke out on winning the part in the upcoming musical.
Speaking with Entertainment Tonight, Butler said, in an Elvis-like deep mumble: “I am just profoundly honoured that Baz has invited me on this journey with him.
“It’s an extraordinary privilege. And I just feel so blessed to be working with such singular directors like him and Quentin Tarantino.”
On Butler’s casting, Baz released a statement, which read: “I knew I couldn’t make this film if the casting wasn’t absolutely right, and we searched thoroughly for an actor with the ability to evoke the singular natural movement and vocal qualities of this peerless star, but also the inner vulnerability of the artist.
“Throughout the casting process, it was an honour for me to encounter such a vast array of talent.”
Baz added: “I had heard about Austin Butler from his stand-out role opposite Denzel Washington in The Iceman Cometh on Broadway and through a journey of extensive screen testing and music and performance workshops.
“I knew unequivocally that I had found someone who could embody the spirit of one of the world’s most iconic musical figures.”
Meanwhile, The Blast discovered from Priscilla Presley, Elvis’ widow, that she had been in touch with Baz.
And when asked if Lana Del Rey should play her in the biopic, the 74-year-old said: “I like Lana.”
Additionally, Tom Hanks has been cast as Elvis’ manager Colonel Tom Parker.
Speaking on Kermode and Mayo’s Film Review, the 62-year-old revealed filming is due to begin in 2020.
Hanks has been preparing to play Colonel Parker by reading a two-volume biography of Elvis.
Specifically Peter Guralnick’s Last Train to Memphis and its second volume Careless Love.