First look at Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis biopic
The first look at Baz Luhrmann’s new biopic has been released, with the first glimpse of the actor set to play the King of Rock and Roll: Elvis Presley.
30-year-old Austin Butler is stepping up as Elvis for the Warner Bros. movie, which hits theatres in June, and is seen in the trailer sporting the singer’s signature slicked back hair and leather jacket.
Academy Award winner Tom Hanks, who is heard narrating the three-minute trailer, also stars in the film as his manager Colonel Tom Parker, while Olivia DeJonge stars as Presley’s wife, Priscilla.
The film appears to be a love letter to the influential musician, who tragically died at age 42 from a heart attack in 1977.
The trailer shows footage of young Elvis as a gospel singer, before being bullied for his unusual hair and dance moves as he tried to break into the music scene.
Elvis also follows the singer’s rocket to international fame and the personal struggles he faced as a result of his superstardom.
It also details how the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. in Memphis jolted him back to his humble roots.
Elvis is the first movie from Baz Luhrmann since his 2013 smash hit The Great Gatsby, which starred Leo DiCaprio, Tobey Macguire and Joel Edgerton, and made $353 million worldwide.
Speaking with news.com.au last year, Luhrmann said he was excited for audiences to see what Austin Butler can bring to the challenging role.
“I can say that we have had to create lots of different worlds, and there was no world we were challenged in creating,” Luhrmann said.
“We went to a lot of effort, but it’s all there.
“The performances are remarkable. Austin Butler, I think he’s really going to surprise people. And Tom … enough said.”
You can check out the trailer for Elvis below.
Image credits: Warner Bros. Pictures