Lisa Marie Presley To Anyone Who Has Played Elvis Before Austin Butler: “Bless Their Hearts”

Baz Luhrmann / Instagram

Years ago, it was announced that Baz Luhrmann would be directing a film about Elvis Presley, simply titled Elvis. The film would tell the story of Elvis’ rise to stardom as well as his relationship with his manager

Many famous names were up for the role including Harry Styles, Ansel Elgort, Austin Butler, and Miles Teller, but only one man was deemed right for the job. That man is Austin Butler. Luhrmann confirmed the casting on July 15, 2019 with a simple tweet, posting a photo of Presley and Butler side by side.

The first official trailer for Elvis was dropped on February 17, with a release date of June 24th.

The film recently debuted at Cannes Film Festival, where it received at 10+ minute standing ovation – longer than any other movie at the legendary festival.

 

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Before Cannes, Elvis’ ex-wife, Priscilla Presley and her family, was given a private screening and she took to social media to praise the film.

She said, “It is a true story told brilliantly and creatively that only Baz, in his unique artistic way, could have delivered.”

Priscilla also gave her thoughts on Butler’s performance as her late ex-husband: “Austin Butler, who played Elvis is outstanding. Halfway through the film Jerry 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.”

Shortly after her mom gave her review of the movie, Elvis’ only child, Lisa Marie Presley, did the same. In a social media post, she revealed that she has seen the new Elvis movie twice.

“Let me tell you that it is nothing short of spectacular. Absolutely exquisite. Austin Butler channeled and embodied my father’s heart and soul beautifully. In my humble opinion, his performance is unprecedented and FINALLY done accurately and respectfully,” she wrote.

Lisa Marie also said that she believes he deserves an Oscar for his performance!

She continued, “What moved me to tears as well was watching Riley and Harper, and Finley afterwards, all 3 visibly overwhelmed in the best way possible way, and so filled with pride about their grandfather and his legacy in a way that I have not previously experienced. It breaks my heart that my son isn’t here to see it. He would have absolutely loved it as well.”

Priscilla, Lisa Marie, and Lisa Marie’s daughter, actress Riley Keough, were all in attendance at the film’s premiere at Graceland over the weekend.

 

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At the premiere, Lisa Marie Presley got on the stage and told the audience again, just how much she loved the film, and praised Butler’s performance.

“In my life, it’s been on disappointment after another in terms of people portraying my father in various films or their attempts to. Bless their heart, they meant well,” she said to the audience who was laughing out loud.

Lisa Marie continued, “I’m sure they meant well, let me tell you something, but at this point, I tell you this with all my heart…it’s been done right.” 

After her statement, the crowd roared with applause.

We, for one, can’t wait to watch this movie! See Lisa Marie’s speech below.