Baz Luhrmann Confirms Who Will Play The King in His Upcoming Elvis Biopic

Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley. Photo by REX/Shutterstock (1321052m)

Since it was announced that Baz Luhrmann, the man who bought us the likes of Moulin Rouge and Romeo & Juliet, would be directing the new Elvis Presley biopic, fans have been speculating over which actor would take on the iconic role.

Now, Luhrmann has confirmed that the role of the rock ‘n’ roll legend will be taken on by Austin Butler. The rising star recently appeared in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon A Time In Hollywood. He will be accompanied by Tom Hanks, who will be playing Elvis’ manager.

Luhrmann said in a statement: “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…

“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 stand-out 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.”

A release date for the currently untitled Elvis Presley biopic is yet to be announced.