With Baz Luhrmann, it’s always go big or go home. It doesn’t matter the subject, whether a sweeping romance like Australia, a modern Romeo + Juliet, or an adaptation of The Great Gatsby, Luhrmann’s audacious approach makes every project a must-see event. And it already doesn’t get much bigger than the King, so you can imagine the spectacle his Elvis biopic is going to be.
In what can only be described as a dream role, Austin Butler plays Elvis Presley, the legendary hip shaking rock ‘n roller, actor, soldier, and cultural icon. The film spans 20 years in Elvis’ life and career, looking at his relationship with longtime manager Colonel Tom Parker, played by Tom Hanks.
While this is sure to be a gamechanging role for Butler, I’m fascinated by the cameos by actors playing key figures in music history. Kelvin Harrison Jr. plays BB King, Gary Clark Jr. is Arthur Crudup, Yola Quartey is Sister Rosetta Tharpe, David Denham as Hank Snow, Adam Dunn as Bill Black, and many more. Olivia DeJonge plays Elvis’ wife, Priscilla Presley.
Featuring original music by Eminem, Doja Cat, Chris Isaak, Eminem, Ceelo Green, Stevie Nicks, Jack White, and many more, Elvis opens in theaters on June 24th after its world premiere at Cannes.
