Elvis: Everything you need to know about the new biopic
It stars Austin Butler and Tom Hanks
Last updated 24th Jun 2022
The highly anticipated biopic about Elvis Presley, starring Austin Butler and Tom Hanks - simply called Elvis is now out in cinemas!
The film follows the 'Hound Dog' singer over 20 years, from his early days, being spotted by his manager Col. Tom Parker (played by Tom Hanks), up to his unprecedented stardom.
Here we take a look at what we know about Elvis the film, from how to watch it, who stars in it and how Elvis' family feel about it.
Who is in the Elvis cast?
The two main roles of Elvis and his manager are played by Austin Butler and Tom Hanks respectively. Other roles in the biopic are played by Olivia DeJonge (Priscilla Presley), award-winning theatre actress Helen Thomson (Elvis' mother Gladys), Richard Roxburgh (Elvis’ father, Vernon), and Stranger Things star Dacre Montgomery (TV director Steve Binder).
When is Elvis released?
Elvis is now out in cinemas, it was released on 24th June 2022.
Where can I watch Elvis?
You can watch Elvis in cinemas now worldwide. It's not yet been revealed when it will be available to watch at home/streaming.
Is there a trailer for Elvis?
Yes, there are a couple of trailers for Elvis the film. The first trailer was released in February 2022. The trailer shows how Elvis was spotted by Tom Hanks' character Col. Tom Parker, Elvis' manager.
Are Elvis Presley's family involved with the film?
It's not known how much involvement the Presley family had in the film, however they have praised director Baz Luhrmann and the cast for their portrayal of the King of Rock and Roll. Many times this year they have complimented the production, with Riley Keough, Elvis' granddaughter calling it a: "very emotional experience."
Speaking to Variety, the actress said: "It's very intense to watch when it's your family. It wasn't like I distrusted Baz in any way, but you're protective over your family.
"In the first five minutes, I could feel how much work Baz and (Austin Butler) put into trying to get it right. That made me emotional immediately. I started crying five minutes in and didn't stop. There's a lot of family trauma and generational trauma that started around then for our family. I felt honoured they worked so hard to really get his essence, to feel his essence. Austin captured that so beautifully."
Does Austin Butler sing in Elvis?
Yes, Austin Butler, who has previously starred in The Carrie Diaries and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, does sing all of Elvis' songs in the film. The film's director Baz Luhrmann shared a previously unseen video of some pre-production footage, showing Austin singing Elvis' debut US song 'That's All Right'.
Baz wrote: 'The response to Austin’s version of Trouble has been tremendous but so many of you still ask, ‘is it Austin singing?’ I feel I haven’t been clear enough in conveying that Austin sings all of the young Elvis in the movie, so forgive me.
'I thought you might find this very early camera (2019) test fascinating as Austin and the guys are just jamming while we test our lenses. Even before his two years of vocal studies I feel that Austin is channeling the vocal qualities of Elvis. Thank you @austinbutler for letting me share this early test to give the fans an insight into your journey.'
Does Austin Butler dance in Elvis?
Yes, Austin does dance (as well as sing), in the new film. He showed his impressive moves during an interview with Jimmy Fallon. Despite admitting to the talk show host that he isn't a singer or dancer, and is actually a 'shy wallflower', Austin got up to show Jimmy how to dance like Elvis.
Where was the Elvis film premiere?
The film had its premiere in a very fitting location - Graceland, the former home and resting place of Elvis. Appearing at the premiere were three generations of the Presley family, Priscilla, Lisa Marie, and her daughter Riley Keough.
Taking to Instagram, Riley wrote: 'We’re so thrilled to be in Memphis with @elvismovie and with all of the wonderful performers, @austinbutler @olivia_dejonge @kelvharrjr and Tom Hanks have all done outstanding work. Thank you to @bazluhrmann for bringing the film to Graceland. It’s been such a special weekend, I couldn’t think of a better place to Premiere ELVIS in America.'
With Baz later sharing a video of Lisa Marie giving her blessing to the film, explaining how previous attempts to portray her father have been disappointing, but this film was "done right". She told those gathered: "At this point I tell you this with all my heart, that's the reason I'm here, it's been done right."
You can hear songs by Elvis on Absolute Radio Country.
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Now read:
11 of Elvis Presley's biggest hits 🕺
Baz Luhrmann shares unseen behind-the-scenes footage of Austin Butler as Elvis