Weinstein Television is developing the first-ever scripted Elvis Presley television biopic to be shot at Graceland, the company announced on Wednesday.
The eight to ten part series will explore every aspect of the King of Rock n’ Roll’s life with access to Elvis’ personal archives including journals, clothing, automobiles and Graceland. The project is based on the 1982 book “Elvis” by author Dave Marsh.
Priscilla Presley, the former wife of Elvis, is attached as an executive producer, and the production is working in full partnership with the Presley Estate. Harvey Weinstein and Jerry Schilling will also exec produce.
“I’m a big fan of Harvey Weinstein’s independent films,” said Priscilla Presley. “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to work with him on this show and tell the story of how Elvis changed the culture of music and initiated a revolution that changed the world.”
No network is currently attached to this Elvis project, but Weinstein Co. is expected to shop the project around in the coming weeks.
“We are excited to work with Harvey Weinstein and the team on this special project,” said Jamie Salter, chairman and CEO, Authentic Brands Group, owner of Elvis Presley Enterprises, LLC. “Partnering with producers of this caliber enables us to provide viewers with a new and original experience that is as captivating as the King himself.”
The president and CMO of Authentic Brands Group added, “This project will truly honor everything that made Elvis Presley a central figure of our time. We are thrilled to be working with Weinstein Television and our Executive Producers on this TV biopic. This format enables us to do justice to Elvis’ rich and compelling story, which will be sure to thrill audiences.”
Elvis, who died in 1977, still has a huge follow today with more than 14 million fans on social media, and theres no doubt in today’s interest in the musical icon.
“To this day, Elvis is one of the few that lives up to the word ‘icon’. He is one of the most celebrated entertainers of all time whose influence surpasses the music he created. People’s fascination with his story goes beyond the stage and this biopic will pay homage to his brilliant legacy and give viewers an in-depth look at how he became The King,” commented The Weinstein Company co-chairman, Harvey Weinstein.
The Weinstein Company COO and president, David Glasser added, “We are thrilled to announce this biopic and our partnership with the Presley Estate. It’s an incredible opportunity to be the first-ever scripted TV series to shoot at Graceland and have access to Elvis’ personal archives. Elvis redefined an entire generation’s relationship to music and pop culture. This show will be an authentic and riveting look at how that came about from start to finish.”
Glasser and Sarah Sobel of TWC, and Authentic Brands Group’s Corey Salter, Marc Rosen, and Pamela Bebry negotiated the deal. The project will be overseen by Megan Spanjian who heads scripted television for TWC.