Actor/singer
Austin Butler, better known for starring in TV shows like
"The Carrie Diaries" and
"The Shannara Chronicles", is set to play
Elvis Presley in an untitled biopic from Australian filmmaker
Baz Luhrmann (
"Moulin Rouge",
"The Great Gatsby").
The film will explore the legendary artist's growth from dirt poor singer to global icon through the complicated relationship with his manager, Colonel Tom Parker, played by
Tom Hanks, that spanned over two decades. Luhrmann co-wrote the script with frequent collaborator
Craig Pearce, and will also produce. Oscar-winning
"The Great Gatsby" production designer and costume designer
Catherine Martin will also join the production.
Filming will begin early next year in Queensland, Australia. Warner Bros. will distribute worldwide. Other contenders for the lead role included
Ansel Elgort, Miles Teller and
Harry Styles.
Butler's resume also includes an acclaimed Broadway debut in the
George C. Wolfe-directed adaptation of
Eugene O'Neill's
"The Iceman Cometh", in which he played the role of Don Parritt, and a role in
Jim Jarmusch's latest film
"The Dead Don't Die". He can also be seen later this month in
Quentin Tarantino's
"Once Upon a Time in Hollywood".
Here's what Luhrmann had to say about the casting:
"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 honor for me to encounter such a vast array of talent. 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."
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- 2 Discs
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