Priscilla Presley Reacts to Austin Butler’s Performance as Elvis in Baz Luhrmann Biopic: He ‘Had Big Shoes to Fill’

usmagazine.com:

All shook up. Priscilla Presley revealed that she got to see a private screening of Baz Luhrmann‘s upcoming Elvis Presley biopic and shared her honest thoughts on star Austin Butler.“For those curious about the new film ELVIS … the director, provided a private screening for me and [Elvis’ friend] Jerry Schilling at Warner studios recently.

This story is about Elvis and [manager] Colonel Parker’s relationship. It is a true story told brilliantly and creatively that only Baz, in his unique artistic way, could have delivered,” the Dallas alum, 76, wrote via Facebook on Friday, April 29. “Austin Butler, who played Elvis is outstanding.”She continued: “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.”Priscilla also praised Tom Hanks, who plays Elvis’ longtime manager Colonel Tom Parker, in the film. “What a character he was.

There [were] two sides to Colonel, Jerry and I witnessed both,” she wrote.The Naked Gun actress concluded her post by noting that while the story “does not have a happy ending,” Elvis offers fans a new look at the iconic musician and his journey to stardom.Butler, 30, has previously spoken about his preparation for Elvis and the pressures of playing the King of Rock and Roll on the big screen. “When I began the process, I set out to get my voice to be identical.