A conclusive decision has been reached on who is playing Elvis Presley in Baz Luhrmann’s adaptation of the late singer’s biopic. Austin Butler, star of Quentin Tarantino’s ‘Once Upon A Time in Hollywood’ has being cast to play the character of Elvis Presley.
Regular names in Hollywood such as Harry Styles and Miles Teller, all reportedly tested for the role, which will soon become a bragging picture feature for Austin. The stages of casting were a tough call for Luhrmann before landing on the right person for the role. He shared, “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.”
Luhrmann continued, “Throughout the casting process, it was an honor for me to encounter such 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.”
The film explores Presley’s life through the lens of his complicated, 20-year relationship with his manager, Colonel Tom Parker, set to be played by Oscar winner Tom Hanks. Production begins early 2020 in Queensland, Australia.
