Elvis Presley's Daughter Praises Baz Luhrmann's Spectacular Biopic
Elvis Presley’s daughter Lisa Marie praises Baz Luhrmann’s “spectacular” biopic and her and her family’s emotional reactions to watching the film. The upcoming biopic will chronicle the life and career of the iconic musician in his journey from learning of rock and roll as a child to becoming one of the biggest stars in the genre and branching out to starring in films. Elvis will also explore his complicated relationship with his manager Colonel Tom Parker and how it would affect his personal life.
Austin Butler is leading the cast of Elvis as the titular musician alongside Tom Hanks as Tom Parker, Helen Thomson, Richard Roxburgh, Olivia DeJonge, Luke Bracey, Natasha Bassett, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Kate Mulvany and Kelvin Harrison Jr. Development on an Elvis biopic has been in the works for nearly a decade, with Luhrmann first entering talks to direct in 2014 though no ground would be gained until 2019 when Hanks signed on to star and Lurhmann was set to write with Sam Bromell and Craig Pearce. After an initial production delay due to Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson contracting COVID, Elvis would finally wrap filming in early 2021 and is set for a June 2022 release.
With just over a month remaining until the film’s release, Lisa Marie Presley took to Twitter to share her praise for Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis. The sole daughter of the titular musician called the film “nothing short of spectacular” and revealed she and her family have seen it multiple times and were very emotional after each viewing. See Presley’s reactions below:
Hello, I haven’t posted in quite some time because there really isn’t much to say, as I'm and will forever be mourning the loss of my son. Navigating through this hideous grief that absolutely destroyed & shattered my heart and my soul into almost nothing has swallowed me whole.
— Lisa Marie Presley (@LisaPresley) May 14, 2022
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However, that being said, I do want to take a moment to let you know that I've seen Baz Luhrmann's movie “Elvis” twice now. Let me tell you that it is nothing short of spectacular. Absolutely exquisite. Austin Butler channeled and embodied my father’s heart & soul beautifully.
— Lisa Marie Presley (@LisaPresley) May 14, 2022
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In my humble opinion, his performance is unprecedented and FINALLY done accurately and respectfully. (If he doesn’t get an Oscar for this, I will eat my own foot, haha.) pic.twitter.com/qrcj3N1yhy
— Lisa Marie Presley (@LisaPresley) May 14, 2022
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You can feel and witness Baz’s pure love, care, and respect for my father throughout this beautiful film, and it is finally something that myself and my children and their children can be proud of forever.
— Lisa Marie Presley (@LisaPresley) May 14, 2022
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What moved me to tears as well was watching Riley and Harper, and Finley afterwards, all 3 visibly overwhelmed in the best way possible way, and so filled with pride about their grandfather and his legacy in a way that I have not previously experienced.
— Lisa Marie Presley (@LisaPresley) May 14, 2022
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It breaks my heart that my son isn’t here to see it. He would have absolutely loved it as well. I can’t tell you enough how much I love this film and I hope you love it too. Everyone involved poured their hearts and souls into it, which is evidenced in their performances.
— Lisa Marie Presley (@LisaPresley) May 14, 2022
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Baz, your utter genius combined with your love and respect for my father and this project is just so beautiful and so inspiring. I know I'm being repetitive, but I don’t care, Thank you for setting the record straight in such a deeply profound and artistic way.
Love you ~LMP— Lisa Marie Presley (@LisaPresley) May 14, 2022
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Elvis’ daughter isn’t the first to share her praise for Luhrmann’s biopic, with ex-wife Priscilla Presley having also taken to Facebook recently to celebrate the film, namely the filmmaker’s work in honoring the musician’s life and Butler’s performance. Lisa Marie Presley’s reactions seem to fall largely in line with that of Priscilla, namely in regards to Butler’s performance as Elvis. Many actors are sure to find Butler’s task of honoring Elvis’ legacy with a true depiction of the musician in comparison to more humorous portrayals of the past such as Bruce Campbell’s Bubba Ho-Tep and Jack White in Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story.
Given Luhrmann’s dedication to crafting Elvis, including getting two writing credits for working on separate drafts of the film, it appears his efforts have paid off with the glowing reviews from Presley’s family members. With the trailers for the film indicating Luhrmann has brought a mix of his grandiose directing style and grounded storytelling to chronicling Elvis’ life, one can hope audiences will resonate with the film as much as Presley’s family himself. Only time will tell when Elvis hits theaters on June 24.