Following the recent addition of Oscar nominee Maggie Gyllenhaal as Gladys Presley, Variety brings word that The Man in the High Castle alum Rufus Sewell has joined the cast of director Baz Luhrmann’s upcoming musical biopic, centering on the life of legendary rock star Elvis Presley. Sewell is set to portray the role of Presley’s father Vernon Presley, who was the one that handled the King of Rock’s finances due to his constant fear of returning to poverty.
Sewell recently starred in Rupert Goold’s biopic drama Judy starring alongside Oscar winner Renee Zellweger. His other notable film credits include: Hamlet, A Knight’s Tale, The Legend of Zorro, The Illusionist and he will next be seen in the drama film The Father opposite Oscar winner Anthony Hopkins and A Knight’s Tale Olivia Colman.
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Austin Butler (Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, The Dead Don’t Die) is starring in the lead role as Elvis alongside Oscar winner Tom Hanks (A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, The Post), who is playing Presley’s manager Colonel Tom Parker, and Olivia DeJonge (The Visit), who will play Presley’s only wife Priscilla.
The movie will explore the life and music of Elvis through his complicated relationship with his manager, Colonel Tom Parker. Parker discovered Presley when he was just an unknown and quickly moved in as his lone representation. Parker was responsible for various milestones, including Presley’s record deal with RCA and his successful acting career.
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Elvis biopic will be co-written by Luhrmann, who will direct, and BAFTA winner Craig Pearce (Romeo + Juliet, Moulin Rouge!). Luhrmann will also produce alongside Oscar winner Catherine Martin (The Great Gatsby), Gail Berman, Patrick McCormick, and Schuyler Weiss. Andrew Mittman will serve as an executive producer
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It was previously reported that the budget for the project is still being ironed out. The Warner Bros. movie will begin its production this coming spring in Queensland, Australia, with the film slated for an October 1, 2021 release.
