Tom Hanks is in talks to star in Baz Luhrmann’s next movie, an as-of-yet untitled Elvis Presley biopic in development at Warner Bros., according to Variety. Luhrmann is set to direct the movie, from a script he co-wrote with frequent collaborator Craig Pearce.
No, Hanks will not be playing the iconic muscian, but rather his manager, Colonel Tom Parker. It’s a meaty role. Parker discovered a teen Presley, helped secure him a record deal with RCA, as well as acting as his manager for his film career, having pushed other representation out of Presley’s life. The biopic will no doubt explore their complicated relationship, as well as Parker’s role in Presley’s fame.
According to the Variety report, Luhrmann is looking for a relative unknown or newcomer to play the role of Elvis alongside a veteran movie star playing the role of Parker—Hanks certainly fits the bill. As of the writing of this story, the role of Elvis had yet to be cast, though meetings are reportedly underway.
While the budget for the film has yet to be finalised, Variety suggests that Hanks’ involvement in the project would move things along. Warner Bros. is no doubt also looking at the box office success of 20th Century Fox’s Bohemian Rhapsody, which made $890 million worldwide on a budget of roughly $50 million. It was the sixth highest-grossing film of 2018 globally, and the biggest box office success in the genres of biopic and drama ever. Could Luhrman’s Elvis flick follow in its footsteps when it comes to box office success?
The biopic will be Luhrmann’s first feature since 2013’s The Great Gatsby.
