Austin Butler (Once Upon a Time in Hollywood) speelt Elvis Presley in Baz Luhrmann‘s biopic over de legendarische rock ‘n roll-artiest. Dat heeft TheWrap bevestigd. Butler sluit zich aan bij Tom Hanks, die Presley’s manager speelt.
Butler versloeg Ansel Elgort (Baby Driver), Miles Teller (Top Gun: Maverick) en Harry Styles (Dunkirk), die allemaal streden voor de hoofdrol in de biopic. Luhrmann vertelde:
“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.”
Warner Bros. Pictures zal de film financieren en distribueren. Luhrmann schreef het script van de biopic samen met Craig Pearce (Romeo + Juliet, Moulin Rouge!).
