Priscilla Presley Wanted This Star to Play Her in Elvis Biopic But She Won’t
To truly tell the story of Elvis Presley’s life, you have to touch on the story of Priscilla Presley’s life as well. Priscilla will be portrayed in the upcoming biopic, Elvis. In addition, Priscilla herself weighed in on who she’d like to play her in the hotly anticipated film. Here’s a look at the celebrity in question — and her connections to the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.
Priscilla Presley wanted a famous singer to play her
According to Billboard, Priscilla was asked who should play her onscreen. She gave a simple answer: “I like Lana [Del Rey].” In addition, she revealed she’s very aware of what is going on with director Baz Luhrmann regarding the film. Del Rey was rumored to want the role of Priscilla in the movie, however, these rumors are not confirmed. Despite Priscilla’s wishes, Variety reports up-and-coming actor Olivia DeJonge will play her in the movie.
Luhramann explained why DeJonge earned the role. “Olivia is capable of manifesting the complex depth and presence that has made Priscilla Presley an icon in her own right,” he said. “She’s an extremely talented young actor and the perfect counterpoint to Austin’s [Butler] Elvis.”
Lana Del Rey already made a movie with Elvis Presley as a character
Del Rey would have been an interesting choice to play Priscilla given her history. For years, she wore a retro haircut reminiscent of the haircut Priscilla wore in the 1960s. In addition, she referenced Elvis and his work numerous times in her work, such as in the lyrics of songs like “Million Dollar Man,” “American,” and “Body Electric.” Most significantly, Elvis appeared in Del Rey’s ambitious short film Tropico.
The short film starts with Del Rey playing Eve in the Garden of Eden. Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, and John Wayne are in the garden alongside the more familiar figures of Adam, Eve, and that infamous snake. When Eve eats that fateful apple, Elvis says “Man, you gotta be crazy!” Near the end of the film, Adam and Eve ascend into the sky as a version of Elvis’ classic ballad “Always on My Mind” plays softly in the background.
Why Lana Del Rey put Elvis Presley in the movie
Tropico is bizarre and unconventional. It raises the question: Why are three icons of Americana present in the Garden of Eden? “When I was studying philosophy my teacher told me that it’s okay to feel like the people you’re closest to aren’t alive anymore,” Del Rey told Clash. “Sometimes that is the best company to keep. It’s about the people that pondered the same questions as you did, and had the same sort of life mentality as you. I was upset and inspired by that premise.”
This moment changed Del Rey’s life. “I knew then, really, that my closest friends would be people I have never really met before,” she said. “I was different and I didn’t know many people who felt about mortality how I did. As a result, I do feel a personal connection with the icons: John Wayne, Elvis. I loved how nice Marilyn was, I related to her. Finding girls who were as loving and warm as her is hard.” Del Rey connected with Elvis, however, she’s not playing Priscilla.
