Luhrmann casts De Jonge as Priscilla in Elvis project
Warner Bros. Pictures announces that upand-coming Australian actress Olivia DeJonge will play Priscilla Presley in Baz Luhrmann’s feature film about the iconic Elvis Presley.
In the movie, Oscarnominated filmmaker Luhrmann (The Great Gatsby and Moulin Rouge!) will explore the life and music of Presley, through the prism of his complicated relationship with his enigmatic manager, Colonel Tom Parker, played in the film by two-time Oscar winner Tom Hanks (Forrest
Gump, Philadelphia). The story will delve into their complex dynamic relationship spanning over 20 years, from Presley’s rise to fame to his unprecedented stardom, against the backdrop of the evolving cultural landscape and loss of innocence in America. Central to that journey is one of the most significant and influential people in Elvis’ life, Priscilla.
Luhrmann, who is known to have a keen eye for discovering new faces, said, “Olivia is capable of manifesting the complex depth and presence that has made Priscilla Presley an icon in her own right. She’s an extremely talented young actor and the perfect counterpoint to Austin’s Elvis.”
DeJonge has worked consistently in her native Australia and is known for her performances in the features The Visit, The Sisterhood of the Night, Better Watch Out and this year’s Stray Dolls, which premiered in the US at the Tribeca Film Festival. On TV, she starred in the
series The Society, Will and Hiding. Luhrmann will direct from the screenplay written by Luhrmann and Craig Pearce.
He will also produce, alongside multiple-Oscar winner Catherine Martin
(The Great Gatsby, Moulin Rouge!), who will once again serve as production designer and costume designer on the film, Gail Berman, Patrick McCormick and Schuyler Weiss. Andrew Mittman will executive produce.
Principal photography is set to get underway in early 2020 in Queensland, Australia with the support of the Queensland Government, Screen Queensland and the Australian Government’s Producer Offset program.