It started as a possibility, but now it has officially been confirmed that Baz Luhrmann’s musical biopic about the life and career of the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley, will be having its world premiere at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.
The festival announced the premiere’s date and disclosed that Luhrmann and cast members Austin Butler, Tom Hanks, and Olivia DeJonge will be present at the event. In addition, Cannes also shared an image of Butler as Presley.
Luhrmann’s first movie since The Great Gatsby, Elvis explores the singer’s journey to global stardom and fame while exploring the multiple complex relationships in his life, namely that with his manager Colonel Tom Parker throughout the two decades they worked together. The chronicling of the artist’s life is also placed “against the backdrop of the evolving cultural landscape and loss of innocence in America." The trailer released in February garnered significant attention, showing the first look into Butler as Elvis, Hanks as Parker, and DeJonge as Priscilla Presley. Other cast members include Helen Thomson as Elvis' mother, Gladys Presley, and Richard Roxburgh as Elvis' father, Vernon Presley.