Photo: Albert L. Ortega/Getty; Hugh Stewart/Warner Bros.
Priscilla Presleyis an instant fan ofBaz Luhrmann’sElvis Presleybiopic.
The late King of Rock and Roll’s ex-wife, 76, gave the film, titledElvis, her seal of approval, raving about Luhrmann’s vision andAustin Butler’s performance as the titular rock legend after she was treated to a private screening.
“For those curious about the new filmELVIS, Baz Luhrmann, the director, provided a private screening for me andJerry Schillingat Warner studios recently,” shewroteFriday on Facebook.
“This story is about Elvis and Colonel Parker’s relationship. It is a true story told brilliantly and creatively that only Baz, in his unique artistic way, could have delivered. Austin Butler, who played Elvis is outstanding.
“Halfway through the film Jerry [Schilling] and I looked at each other and said WOW!!! Bravo to him…he knew he had big shoes to fill. He was extremely nervous playing this part. I can only imagine.Tom Hankswas Col Parker in this film. What a character he was. There was two sides to Colonel, Jerry and I witnessed both.
Warner Bros. Pictures
Thefirst trailer forElvisdropped in February, giving a glimpse at Butler, 30, in the role of a lifetime and Hanks, 65, as Elvis' manager Colonel Tom Parker, as well as Australian actressOlivia DeJongeas a young Priscilla.
Priscilla previously opened upto PEOPLEabout adjusting to married life with the iconic musician and his hordes of female fans. “My God, I had to learn everything,” she recalled in September.
“Women gravitated to him, so I would be nervous when he had to go places alone,” Priscilla said. “I would even go with him to get his teeth cleaned! I always had an eye on him because everyone in the world was after him.”
TheDallasactress first met Elvis when she was 14 in 1959. The pair later got married in 1967 before divorcing in 1973, and they share daughterLisa Marie Presley, 54. Elvis died of a heart attack in 1977.
“I truly cherish the great times. As you grow up, there are always fears and insecurities,” she added. “But as you get older you understand it all.”
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Priscilla also expressed her passion for keeping the crooner’s legacy alive nearly 45 years after his death.
“I want to make sure these young ones learning about him now will take the torch and keep it going,” Priscilla said. “He has a phenomenal legacy, and I will always cherish my moments with him.”
See Austin Butler in Baz Luhrmann’sElvis, premiering June 24 in theaters and 45 days later on HBO Max.
source: people.com
