The King is Back
It’s hard to believe that it’s been more than 50 years since Elvis Presley passed away, but his music and legacy still live on. And now, fans of the King of Rock and Roll have even more reason to celebrate. A new Elvis movie is coming to the big screen in 2023.
Elvis: The Movie
The new movie, simply titled “Elvis,” is set to be directed by Baz Luhrmann, the man behind such films as “Moulin Rouge!” and “The Great Gatsby.” The movie will focus on Elvis’ rise to fame in the 1950s and ’60s, and will star Austin Butler as the King himself.
The Cast
Butler, who has appeared in such films as “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” and “The Dead Don’t Die,” beat out a number of other actors for the coveted role of Elvis. Other members of the cast include Tom Hanks as Elvis’ manager, Colonel Tom Parker, and Olivia DeJonge as Elvis’ wife, Priscilla Presley.
The Music
Of course, no Elvis movie would be complete without his music. The film is set to feature some of Elvis’ biggest hits, including “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Jailhouse Rock,” and “Hound Dog.” Fans can expect to see plenty of singing and dancing throughout the movie, which is sure to be a tribute to the King’s legendary performances.
The Legacy of Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley was a cultural icon whose influence can still be felt today. He was a pioneer of rock and roll, and his music helped to break down racial barriers at a time when segregation was still the norm in many parts of the United States.
The Early Years
Elvis was born in Tupelo, Mississippi, in 1935. His family was poor, and he grew up listening to gospel music in church. As a teenager, he began playing guitar and singing in local talent shows.
The Rise to Fame
In 1954, Elvis recorded his first single, “That’s All Right,” which became a hit on local radio stations. He soon signed a record deal with RCA, and his popularity skyrocketed. He appeared on television shows such as “The Ed Sullivan Show” and “The Milton Berle Show,” and his concerts were attended by screaming fans who became known as “Elvis’ Army.”
The Later Years
In the 1960s, Elvis turned to acting, appearing in such films as “Blue Hawaii” and “Viva Las Vegas.” He also continued to record music, but his popularity began to wane as the Beatles and other British bands became more popular. He died in 1977 at the age of 42, but his music and legacy live on.
The Making of the Movie
The Inspiration
Director Baz Luhrmann has been a longtime fan of Elvis Presley. In fact, he used one of Elvis’ songs, “A Little Less Conversation,” in his 2001 film “Moulin Rouge!” Luhrmann has said that he wants to capture the spirit of Elvis’ music and the energy of his performances in the new movie.
The Casting Process
Casting the role of Elvis was no easy task. Luhrmann and his team reportedly auditioned more than 1,000 actors before settling on Austin Butler. Tom Hanks was also a natural choice for the role of Colonel Tom Parker, as he has a deep love for music and has played musicians in several films.
The Filming Process
Filming for “Elvis” took place in Australia in 2022, with some scenes filmed in Memphis, Tennessee. The movie was originally set to be released in 2022, but was pushed back due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The film is expected to be a major box office success when it is released in 2023.
The Final Word
The new Elvis movie is sure to be a must-see for fans of the King of Rock and Roll. With an all-star cast, a talented director, and some of the greatest music ever recorded, “Elvis” is sure to be a fitting tribute to one of the greatest entertainers of all time. So mark your calendars for 2023, and get ready to rock and roll with the King once again.
