“We’re back to, as Elvis liked to say, ‘taking care of business'”.
And with that statement, Oscar-nominated director Baz Luhrmann once again controls the reins of Elvis, a musical drama detailing the life and music of the iconic Elvis Presley.
After an unexpected delay in filming due to the unprecedented world events, cameras will roll on the hotly anticipated film from September 23rd in Queensland.
“I cannot emphasize enough how lucky we feel in the current climate that the state of Queensland, and Queenslanders in general, have been so supportive of this film. We thank our partners in the Queensland Government and Queensland Health for their extremely diligent process, so that we can be an example how creativity and productivity can proceed safely and responsibly in a way that protects our team and the community at large”, Luhrmann noted, before it was assured the production would be undergoing the specific safety precautions needed in relation to star Tom Hanks‘ return to set.
“The production would like to make it very clear that in terms of Mr Hanks’ hotel quarantine arrangement he is completing his 14 day mandatory quarantine in a hotel approved by Queensland Health and will be subject to police checks like anyone else. His quarantine is subject to the same standard of supervision, compliance and testing as all other travellers who arrive into the State of Queensland.”
Written by Luhrmann and Craig Pearce, who have collaborated on such efforts as Strictly Ballroom, Moulin Rouge, and The Great Gatsby, Elvis will delve into the complex dynamic between Presley (to be played by Austin Butler) and his enigmatic manager, Colonel Tom Parker (Hanks), spanning over 20 years, from Presley’s rise to fame to his unprecedented stardom, against the backdrop of the evolving cultural landscape and loss of innocence in America. Central to that journey is one of the most significant and influential people in Elvis’s life, Priscilla Presley (Olivia DeJonge).
Principal photography on Elvis is taking place in Queensland, Australia with the support of the Queensland Government, Screen Queensland and the Australian Government’s Producer Offset program. The film will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures.
