Priscilla Presley says Elvis Presley would say 'you are me' of Austin Butler's portrayal of him
hellomagazine.comPriscilla Presley and Austin Butler may have formed a strong bond after the Elvis biopic debuted, but that doesn't mean she wasn't dubious of him playing her iconic ex-husband.The actor has been widely lauded for this portrayal as the late King of Rock in the critically-acclaimed Baz Luhrman movie, earning both a Golden Globe win and an Oscar nomination.However, the Elvis director admits Priscilla, naturally, had very high standards and was even "cynical" when it came to casting.WATCH: Austin Butler thanks Lisa Marie And Priscilla Presley at 2023 Golden GlobesMORE: Kelly Ripa wows in skin-tight green wetsuit in honor of Philadelphia Eagles for Super BowlRecalling the casting process ahead of filming in Australia – which took nearly three years because of the coronavirus pandemic –Baz told Entertainment Tonight: "I was not gonna make the film unless I found someone who could play Elvis," adding: "I didn't really think I could."Though he eventually gained all of the confidence in the world after he saw Austin become Elvis, it didn't take away the "nerve-wracking" feeling when it came to showing Priscilla the movie.MORE: Was Rihanna's son at Super Bowl 2023?
Her family life revealedHe admitted: "[Priscilla] was quite cynical about how this young kid could, in fact, manifest her husband," and the outlet reports the director noted how many "disappointments" the Presley family have felt over different on screen portrayals of the late Blue Suede Shoes singer.
Priscilla became nothing but supportive of Austin after seeing the filmHe added: "I remember Priscilla said, 'I know I was hard on you,'" in an email she wrote to him.MORE: Travis and Jason Kelce's sad family history revealed ahead of Super BowlMORE: Goldie Hawn looks.
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