Ahead of its wide release in theaters in June, Baz Luhrmann's Elvis has already been drawing some high praise from those who've caught early screenings. Lead star Austin Butler, who plays Elvis Presley in the film alongside Tom Hanks' Colonel Tom Parker, has even left Priscilla Presley impressed with his performance. A new clip from the film showcases more of Butler in the role, particularly of the moment when he realized how to make the women in the audience literally scream for him. Meanwhile, Colonel Parker also realizes he's found a superstar. You can watch that clip below.
Presley's ex-wife, Priscilla Presley, offered more praise to Butler and Baz Luhrmann with a new post on Instagram. Sharing the above clip to Instagram, Presley revealed how the late singer's daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, was also blown away by the film with plans to soon show it to her daughter and Elvis' granddaughter, Riley Keough. You can read what she said about the film below.
"I’ve seen Elvis the film, I watched the trailer over a dozen times. But the words I heard from my daughter on how much she loved the film and that Riley will love it too when she sees it brought tears. I relived every moment in this film. It took me a few days to overcome the emotions as it did with Lisa. Beautifully done Baz, Tom, Austin and Olivia."
Priscilla Presley had also spoken out more about the film in a previous post. She said how she was treated to a special screening of the film with Elvis' friend Jerry Schilling, and they agreed that Baz Luhrmann succeeded in telling the true story in "his unique artistic way." Presley also praised Austin Butler for playing the late singer in such convincing fashion.
"Austin Butler, who played Elvis is outstanding. Halfway through the film Jerry and I looked at each other and said WOW!!! Bravo to him…he knew he had big shoes to fill. He was extremely nervous playing this part. I can only imagine. Tom Hanks was Col Parker in this film. What a character he was. There was two sides to Colonel, Jerry and I witnessed both. The story, as we all know, does not have a happy ending. But I think you will understand a little bit more of Elvis’ journey, penned by a director who put his heart and soul and many hours into this film."
Elvis Explores the Relationship Between Elvis Presley and Tom Parker
Baz Luhrmann (The Great Gatsby, Moulin Rouge!) directed Elvis with the film also starring Helen Thomson, Richard Roxburgh, Olivia DeJonge, Luke Bracey, and Kodi Smit-McPhee. Below you can read the official synopsis for the biopic.
"This film explores the life and music of Elvis Presley (Austin Butler), seen through the prism of his complicated relationship with his enigmatic manager, Colonel Tom Parker (Tom Hanks). The story delves into the complex dynamic between Presley and Parker spanning over 20 years, from Presley’s rise to fame to his unprecedented stardom, against the backdrop of the evolving cultural landscape and loss of innocence in America. Central to that journey is one of the most significant and influential people in Elvis’s life, Priscilla Presley (Olivia DeJonge)."
Elvis will be released in movie theaters on June 24, 2022.