While the film wasn’t quite ready in time for an awards season 2021 release, director Baz Luhrmann let fans know his “Elvis” biopic is still on the way by unveiling our first look at Austin Butler in the lead role.
Titled simply “Elvis,” the biographical film charts Elvis Presley’s life and career, specifically his relationship with his manager Colonel Tom Parker, played by Tom Hanks in the film.
The short video shows Butler from behind in his full Elvis getup, as a version of The King’s hit song “Suspicious Minds” plays over the footage. It ends with a logo bearing the initials TCB, which stands for “Taking Care of Business” and is what Elvis called his band when he returned to the concert circuit in 1969 after a heavy (and grueling) stint in Hollywood that was pushed by Parker.
Luhrmann hasn’t made a film since 2013’s lavish “The Great Gatsby,” which starred Leonardo DiCaprio and Carey Mulligan and grossed over $350 million worldwide. While not exactly prolific, Luhrmann’s work is certainly distinct, and fans are curious to see the “Moulin Rouge!” director’s take on this American music icon.
Luhrmann co-wrote the screenplay for “Elvis” with Sam Bromell, Craig Pearce and Jeremy Doner. The ensemble cast includes Olivia DeJonge as Priscilla Presley, Yola Quartey as Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Luke Bracey as Jerry Schilling, Kelvin Harrison Jr. as B.B. King, Dacre Montgomery as Steve Binder and Kodi Smit-McPhee as Jimmie Rodgers.
Production on the film began in Australia in January 2020, but was shut down in March of that year when Hanks tested positive for COVID-19. Filming then resumed in September 2020.
“Elvis” is scheduled to be released by Warner Bros. on June 24, 2022. Check out the first footage below.