It has been five years since I took to Vine (remember that app?) to reveal thatBaz Luhrmannwould direct anElvis Presleybiopic for Warner Bros. and now, at long last, the project is finally preparing to go before cameras, as two-time Oscar winnerTom Hanksis in negotiations to play’Colonel' Tom Parkerin the untitled film.
Parker was Elvis' manager, though he was so much more than that, and he became an icon in his own right. He discovered Presley as a young unknown in the mid-1950s and helped build his career as both a legendary musician and an actor. Should Hanks close a deal, it would allow Luhrmann to gamble on an unknown himself and cast a young newcomer as Elvis. I’ve heard all kinds of names over the years, fromMiles TellertoHarry Styles, but Luhrmann doesn’tneeda star to play Elvis if Hanks agrees to anchor the movie as Parker.
I never thought I’d see Hanks in a Luhrmann movie, but the idea of them working together is certainly intriguing. According toVariety’sJustin Kroll, whobroke the Hanks news, the directoralso reached outtoLeonardo DiCaprioto tackle the role – though DiCaprio doesn’t really like to take a backseat to anyone, and at the end of the day, this is still an Elvis movie. It will trace his rise and fall as well as examine his relationship with Parker, who controlled every facet of the singer’s life.
Luhrmann will direct from a script he co-wrote withCraig Pearce, who worked with him onMoulin Rouge!andThe Great Gatsby. Luhrmann will also produce alongside wifeCatherine Martin, as well asGail Berman. Production is slated to start this fall, assuming Luhrmann can find his Elvis before then and come to terms with Warner Bros. regarding the film’s budget.
Hanks has been busy playing a slew of real-life figures of late, such asWalt DisneyinSaving Mr. Banks,Washington PosteditorBen BradleeinThe Post, hero pilotChesley SullenbergerinSully, and hero marinerRichard PhillipsinCaptain Phillips. He next stars asMister Rogersin Sony’s upcoming biopicA Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.
Hanks, who will reprise his role as Woody in Pixar’sToy Story 4, is represented by CAA.
