‘Elvis’ Release Date, Cast and Everything We Know So Far

thewrap.com:

Stephanie Zacharek, “Luhrmann sees equal value in fact and myth.” The Los Angeles Times’ Justin Chang wrote, “It’s all a bit much, which means it’s just right.”Audiences will have a chance to find out for themselves later this month, but for now here’s everything we know about “Elvis.”Besides “The Great Gatsby,” Luhrmann has directed “Australia” (2008), “Moulin Rouge!” (2001), “Romeo + Juliet” (1996) and “Strictly Ballroom” (1992) as well as the Netflix series “The Get Down.” He announced plans to work on the Elvis Presley biopic back in 2014, so this one has been a long time coming.Elvis became an icon throughout the fifties, sixties and seventies, finding his roots in Black gospel church music.

While the film focuses on his life, it also acknowledges the cultural context of what was happening around Elvis. When Elvis was a young boy, he became heavily inspired by Black church gospel music.

A major controversy of the hip-swayer is whether he amplified Blackness through his performance or appropriated it. The Civil Rights movement unfolds in the background of the film.In a recent interview with GQ, Austin Butler detailed his immersive work into the icon that was Elvis.

When filming wrapped in 2021, Butler realized just how much a toll the role took on his body. He was rushed to the hospital early the next morning after he woke up in pain, and later he was diagnosed with a virus that simulates appendicitis, spending a week in bed.Butler was committed to the musical aspect of “Elvis,” saying, “When I began the process of this, I wanted to get my voice to sound identical to his.” So for Elvis’ early songs, you’ll hear Butler’s voice.