New Movie Grapples with Elvis and Priscilla's Age Difference
Elvis has re-entered the building (or at least the cultural zeitgeist). Only a year after Baz Luhrmann's musical Elvis biopic, aptly titled Elvis, earned big bucks at the box office and a slew of Oscar nominations, the life of Elvis Presley is once again returning to the big screen. This time, however, rather than focusing on Elvis' relationship with nefarious businessman Colonel Tom Parker and sidestepping a few of the skeletons in Presley's rhinestoned closet, Sofia Coppola is centering Elvis' wife Priscilla Presley. Coppola's Priscilla will examine the couple's controversial relationship that began when Priscilla was just 14 years old while the already famous Elvis was 24.
Following the announcement of the two dueling Elvis movies, fans wondered if both were necessary. Upon Priscilla's premiere at the Venice Film Festival, however, it seems to be apparent that the two movies are examining the life of Elvis in vastly different ways. And of course the bombastic, neon-infused Elvis is much different from Coppola's quieter, pastel-filled vision. If the general public has the appetite for a second Elvis film remains to be seen.
Here's everything you need to know about Priscilla:
A24
What is the release date for Priscilla?
Sofia Coppola's Priscilla will hit U.S. theaters on Nov. 3, 2023, after stops at several film festivals.
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Where can I watch Priscilla?
Initially, Priscilla will only be available in theaters. The movie will likely be available to rent or purchase via video-on-demand platforms after its time in the theaters, and will then most likely arrive on a streaming platform. Indie distributor A24 is handling the film, and their movies are on several platforms including Max.
A24
What is Priscilla about?
Priscilla is about the life of Priscilla Presley, and more particularly her romance, marriage and life with international superstar Elvis Presley. The film is based on Priscilla's 1985 memoir, Elvis and Me, and focuses mainly on their lives as young people. Unlike Elvis, Priscilla does not focus predominantly on Elvis and/or his relationship with Colonel Tom Parker. It does, however, spend time examining his controversial marriage, which was largely shied away from in Elvis.
Who is in the cast of Priscilla?
Cailee Spaeny as Priscilla Presley
The titular role of Priscilla Presley is played by newcomer Cailee Spaeny. Spaeny has had roles in television shows Mare of Easttown and Devs along with movies such as Vice and On the Basis of Sex. Her performance in Priscilla won her the Best Actress prize at the Venice Film Festival.
Jacob Elordi as Elvis Presley
So long, Austin Butler and his fake accent. Elvis will now be played by Euphoria's Jacob Elordi. After roles in YA films like the Kissing Booth trilogy, Elordi branched out into more dramatic fare. This year alone he's in Priscilla, Saltburn and The Sweet East.
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Dagmara Domińczyk as Anne Beaulieu
Rounding out a fairly small cast is Dagmara Domińczyk, who you may recognize as Karolina from Succession. She'll be playing Priscilla's mother, Anne, and previously made appearances in movies like The Lost Daughter, Bottoms and The Assistant.
Is there a trailer for Priscilla?
Yes, there is. The official trailer for the film dropped on Oct. 3, 2023, just a few days before its U.S. premiere at the New York Film Festival.
Is Priscilla based on a book?
Yes. Sofia Coppola's Priscilla is based on Priscilla Presley's 1985 memoir, Elvis and Me. The book was previously made into a TV movie in 1988 and caused plenty of controversy when it came out given its revelations about Elvis.
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Who is the director of Priscilla?
Priscilla is directed by the masterful Sofia Coppola. One of the few female filmmakers working at her level, Coppola directed The Virgin Suicides, Marie Antoinette, Lost in Translation and The Beguiled.
Who plays Elvis in Priscilla?
The role of Elvis Presley in Priscilla is played by Euphoria's Jacob Elordi.
Is Priscilla a sequel to Elvis?
No. Elvis and Priscilla are not attached in any way other than their common subject matter. Both Presley family biopics just happened to come out in consecutive years.
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