Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis biopic to resume filming in Australia this month
Nearly six months since filming on Baz Luhrmann’s upcoming Elvis biopic was temporarily halted back in March, it looks like things are starting to look up for the project with Deadline bringing word that Warner Bros. Pictures has finally commissioned the resumption of production. The Austin Butler-led film is now scheduled to resume filming later this month on September 23 on Queensland, Australia after Oscar winner Tom Hanks has fully recovered from COVID-19.
“We’re back to, as Elvis liked to say, ‘taking care of business!’” Luhrmann said in a statement. “It is a real privilege in this unprecedented global moment that Tom Hanks has been able to return to Australia to join Austin Butler and all of our extraordinary cast and crew to commence production on Elvis. I cannot emphasize enough how lucky we feel in the current climate that the state of Queensland, and Queenslanders in general, have been so supportive of this film. We thank our partners in the Queensland Government and Queensland Health for their extremely diligent process, so that we can be an example how creativity and productivity can proceed safely and responsibly in a way that protects our team and the community at large. We are all excited to start working with Tom Hanks when he is out of quarantine in two weeks.”
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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. It will also feature Oscar nominee Maggie Gyllenhaal as Gladys Presley, Rufus Sewell as Vernon Presley and English musician Yola as Sister Rosetta Tharpe.
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.
Buy Elvis Presley’s greatest hits now.
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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
The film is still set for its theatrical release on November 5, 2021.
(Photo Credit: Getty Images)
