Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Baz Luhrmann in talks for Elvis Presley biopic

The Australian director is reportedly negotiating a deal with Warner Bros

Jess Denham
Thursday 01 May 2014 12:07 BST
Comments
Baz Luhrmann is in talks to direct an Elvis Presley movie
Baz Luhrmann is in talks to direct an Elvis Presley movie (Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Baz Luhrmann is in negotiations to helm an as-yet-untitled Elvis Presley biopic, it has been reported.

The Australian director, known for The Great Gatsby, Romeo and Juliet and Moulin Rouge, is talking to Warner Bros and Fifty Shades of Grey screenwriter Kelly Marcel, according to The Wrap.

Marcel’s original script about the much-loved “King of Rock and Roll” will not be based on any prior material but it remains to be seen which parts of the “Hound Dog” singer’s life will be drawn upon.

Andrew Mittman and Gail Berman are set to produce, with Courtenay Valenti overseeing the project. Warner Bros is believed to have secured the music rights.

Elvis Presley at his prime before his untimely death in 1977
Elvis Presley at his prime before his untimely death in 1977 (Rex Features)

Luhrmann’s participation still needs to be confirmed but, if he is, it is likely that his Oscar-winning wife Catherine Martin will join as costume designer.

Oscar-nominated Luhrmann is attached to several projects at present, including the Kung Fu reboot and a Napoleon miniseries, so it is unclear which film he will board next.

Although an Elvis movie seems suited to Luhrmann’s glitzy style, music biopics tend to be complicated as the estate’s approval is often needed, so it might be a while until we hear more.

Leonardo DiCaprio for Elvis? He is a Luhrmann favourite after all.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in