Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis biopic halted indefinitely while Tom Hanks recovers
The global coronavirus outbreak has not shied away from targeting celebrities, with America’s sweetheart Tom Hanks announcing last week he and wife Rita Wilson had tested positive. Now Baz Luhrmann has taken to Twitter to confirm production on his upcoming Elvis Presley biopic is halting indefinitely while the Oscar winner continues to recover.
— Baz Luhrmann (@bazluhrmann) March 20, 2020
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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.
(Photo Credit: Backgrid Images)
