Australian ‘Euphoria’ Star Jacob Elordi to Play Elvis in Sofia Coppola’s ‘Priscilla’

By Sam Mangioni - News Published: 14 Sep 2022

Move aside Austin Butler, Australian Jacob Elordi of Euphoria is the new King of Rock & Roll. Deadline has reported Sofia Coppola (Lost in Translation, On the Rocks) will be directing the A24 distributed Priscilla, starring Cailee Spaeny in the title role alongside Elordi. Striking while the iron is hot, the upcoming drama follows Baz Luhrmann’s biopic Elvis, released earlier this year.

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Cailee Spaeny | Image: Getty

The upcoming film is based on Priscilla Presley’s 1985 memoir Elvis and Me, with Coppolo also responsible for adapting the New York Times bestselling memoir for the big screen. The book’s synopsis reads: “Decades after his death, millions of fans continue to worship Elvis the legend. But very few knew him as Elvis the man. Here in her own words, Priscilla Presley tells the story of their love, revealing the details of their first meeting, their marriage, their affairs, their divorce, and the unbreakable bond that has remained long after his tragic death.”

While Spaeny, most recently seen in the Sundance-premiered apocalyptic comedy How it Ends, has been locked in for the title role since early in the development process, the same can not be said for Elordi. In a tweet following the Deadline piece (see below), reporter Justin Kroll revealed superstar Justin Bieber was on Coppola’s list to play the Jailhouse Rock crooner.

While Jacob beat out a numbers of actors who tested for role of Elvis, sources say Sofia did take a shot at a certain musician to see if they had any interest in role (they ultimately passed) pic.twitter.com/QeOZyAnu7s

— Justin Kroll (@krolljvar) September 12, 2022

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The film marks Oscar winner Coppola’s first feature since On the Rocks starring Rashida Jones and frequent collaborator Bill Murray. As per Deadline, A24 confirmed they would handle distribution in North America, while Stage 6/Sony Pictures International Releasing will distribute elsewhere. Longtime cinematographer Philippe Le Sourd, costume designer Stacey Battat, editor Sarah Flack and production designer Tamara Deverell have all signed on to the period piece. Shooting is expected to begin in Toronto later this year.

Priscilla is the latest musical biopic based on the life and death of Elvis Presley and comes in the wake of Baz Luhrman’s highly successful film released earlier this year. In May, Prescilla Presley praised Luhrman’s work and Butler’s performance, sharing, “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. Bravo to him… he knew he had big shoes to fill. He was extremely nervous playing this part. I can only imagine.”

Jacob Elordi will have even bigger shoes to fill. We wish the Aussie good luck.

Sam Mangioni

Sam Mangioni is an experienced content producer and the current Entertainment, Culture & Lifestyle Journalist for Man of Many. With an extensive background in digital content production and news, Sam specialises in delivering timely, accurate and witty assessments of current events. Prior to working for Man of Many, Sam spent three years at Southern Cross Austereo where he served as a Content Producer and News Reporter for the flagship Triple M Breakfast Program. The Sydney-based reporter completed a Bachelor of Commerce from Macquarie University Majoring in Marketing in 2014. Sam's work has also featured in Fight News Australia.

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