7/15/2019 by Borys Kit The Hollywood Reporter

After an intense search that ensnared boldface names such as Harry Styles and Ansel Elgort, Baz Luhrmann has found the king of rock 'n' roll in Austin Butler.

The Warner Bros. project is described as focusing on Presley's rise and zenith, with a major aspect being his relationship with Parker. Tom Hanks is set to play Col. Tom Parker, the manager who controlled every aspect of Elvis' life.

Warners is describing the drama has having a story that will "delve into their complex dynamic spanning over 20 years, from Presley's rise to fame to his unprecedented stardom, against the backdrop of the evolving cultural landscape and the loss of innocence in America."

Luhrmann is producing the feature with wife Catherine Martin. The two have been developing the project since the director wrapped up The Great Gatsby. Gail Berman is also a producer.

“I knew I couldn’t make this film if the casting wasn’t absolutely right, and we searched thoroughly for an actor with the ability to evoke the singular natural movement and vocal qualities of this peerless star, but also the inner vulnerability of the artist," said Luhrmann in a statement. "Throughout the casting process, it was an honor for me to encounter such a vast array of talent. I had heard about Austin Butler from his standout role opposite Denzel Washington in The Iceman Cometh on Broadway, and through a journey of extensive screen testing and music and performance workshops, I knew unequivocally that I had found someone who could embody the spirit of one of the world’s most iconic musical figures.”

Luhrmann wrote the script with Craig Pearce, with whom he also wrote The Great Gatsby and Moulin Rouge!

Luhrmann narrowed his hopefuls to Styles, Elgort, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Miles Teller and Butler, all of whom tested for the role in late June.

Butler, who appeared in TV's The Carrie Diaries and Arrow, will be seen in Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.

Interesting, but for some reason I thought Miles Teller was gonna get the role. I mean none of these guys look like Elvis who were in the running anyways. Austin is a really good actor though. Hopefully it's a great film. Jonathan Rhys Meyers(He won an Golden Globe awards for it) was probably the best Elvis has ever been portrayed.

I thought Kurt Russell did a good job as Elvis in 1979.

While Kurt was good. He did over do it a bit. I just hope the film maker does a great film ala BR(not a perfect film, but enjoyed it) and Elton(didn't see it yet). I know Austin from a Netflix series and MTV series and he stood out. It would be interesting to see Tarantino do a film about him since he is a huge fan. I like the fact that he included Bruce Lee in his new film.

I remember a year or 2 ago there was announcement about a Colonel Parker movie. I wonder how much of an audience would pay to see that. I don't see many going to the movies to watch it. It doesn't sound like something the art film crowd would be interested in either

JoeBala said:

Interesting, but for some reason I thought Miles Teller was gonna get the role. I mean none of these guys look like Elvis who were in the running anyways. Austin is a really good actor though. Hopefully it's a great film. Jonathan Rhys Meyers(He won an Golden Globe awards for it) was probably the best Elvis has ever been portrayed.

this was great ..is it on on DVD????

jfenster said:

JoeBala said:

jfenster said:

this was great ..is it on on DVD????

I have a copy on DVD I think on got it on eBay. Check there.

but it was officially released??

MickyDolenz said:

jfenster said:

JoeBala said:

It's the same movie with Tom Hanks as the Col. Tom Parker.

It doesn't seem to be the same to me:


Elvis Presley Manager Biopic ‘The Colonel’ in Development
By Dave McNary June 26, 2017 Variety

Spencer Proffer, Steve Binder, and Joe Berlinger are developing a feature film about Elvis Presley’s manger Colonel Tom Parker.

Production is slated for early 2018. Parker, who died in 1997 at age 87, arrived in America as a 20-year old undocumented Dutch immigrant, and took great pains to hide his past. Before leaving Holland, he might have committed murder.

The screenplay will be based on Alanna Nash’s book, “The Colonel: The Extraordinary Story of Colonel Tom Parker and Elvis Presley,” published by Simon & Schuster and one of four Presley books she authored. The team will work from an outline developed by Nash and Berlinger, and Nash will co-write the screenplay.

Parker became Presley’s manager in 1956 shortly before the singer broke out with the single “Heartbreak Hotel.” He remained the manager until Presley’s death in 1977.

“I have wanted to work with Joe for years, given his unique filmmaker’s eye toward marrying music-anchored stories with dramatic storytelling,” said Proffer. “Given that I am a big fan of his Metallica and Paul Simon films, plus Joe’s award-winning crime documentaries, he became my first choice to direct this evergreen and important film. Parker’s story has such a dark edge, and this is precisely why Berlinger’s combo of crime and music documentaries lends the perfect tone for the film.”

Binder’s credits include producing and directing the 1968 NBC special “Elvis.” “I look forward to working with Spencer, Joe, and Alanna on the making of this film. The Colonel’s ‘real’ story has never been told, and I promise it will have you on the edge of your seat. I was there and I knew the Colonel. Move over P.T. Barnum, the ride is about to begin!”

Berlinger was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary for 2011’s “Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory” and has received seven Emmy nominations. His credits include “Brother’s Keeper,” “Metallica: Some King of Monster,” “Crude,” “Under African Skies,” and “Intent to Destroy.”

“Throughout my career I have tackled unexpected and surprising stories, going beyond the easy headline to get to the truth of the real story,” Berlinger said. “And in ‘The Colonel,’ I see the same exciting opportunity.”

Berlinger is currently in pre-production for the feature film “Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile,” a Ted Bundy biopic starring Zac Efron.

Redd Foxx was at Elvis' wedding. I wonder if he is going to be mentioned in the movie.

MickyDolenz said:

JoeBala said:

It would be great if any photos surface of him being there.

Here's a photo from the reception but not the actual wedding

MickyDolenz said:

JoeBala said:

I always wondered if that is a photoshopped or not. I think it's the only photo of them together. Didn't know about this and sold over 17G: https://entertainment.ha....26-46164.s [Edited 7/22/19 11:48am]

Elvis' suit pattern is kinda similar to ones I've seen Black Panther & Thor wear

MickyDolenz said: