Priscilla Presley Was Initially 'Cynical' About Austin Butler Playing Elvis, Baz Luhrmann Says (Exclusive)

etonline.com:

— with the late singer's ex-wife, Priscilla Presley, and daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, watching closely — Baz Luhrmann knew it all came down to casting. «I was not gonna make the film unless I found someone who could play Elvis,» he recalled of the pre-production process. «I didn't really think I could.»Everything came together when he found Austin Butler, who devoted himself to learning The King's songs, mannerisms, and, of course, his iconic voice.

However, Luhrmann said the most «nerve-wracking» screening of his entire career came when he sat down with Priscilla to show her the film for the first time."[Priscilla] was quite cynical about how this young kid could, in fact, manifest her husband," he shared, noting that the family has had their share of «disappointments» when it comes to portrayals of Elvis onscreen. «I remember Priscilla said, 'I know I was hard on you,' she wrote me an email… She said, 'Every wink, every move, if my husband was here he would say, 'Hot damn, you are me!''»«She said, 'How did he know about Elvis' rage, his stillness, his inner life, his complex inner life?'» he added. «Because that's not out there.

That's not in a biography.»Ultimately, Luhrmann said, Butler is deserving of all the acclaim he's received so far. «I think you can't overstate the level of acting achievement for Austin Butler,» he raved. «I've been around it a long time and even I'm a bit mystified by what he achieved — and I was there!»The actor landed his first-ever Oscar nomination last month.

Butler has been effusive about thanking the Presley family at every given opportunity this awards season and he paid special tribute to Lisa Marie, who died at the age of 54 on Jan.