After being invited to a private screening, the late King of Rock and Roll’s ex-wife, 76, awarded the film, titled Elvis, her seal of approval, praising Luhrmann’s vision and Austin Butler’s performance as the titular rock hero.
“For those curious about the new film ELVIS, Baz Luhrmann, the director, provided a private screening for me and Jerry Schilling at Warner studios recently,” she wrote Friday on Facebook.
“This story is about Elvis and Colonel Parker’s relationship. It is a true story told brilliantly and creatively that only Baz, in his unique artistic way, could have delivered. Austin Butler, who played Elvis is outstanding.
“About halfway through the movie, Jerry [Schilling] and I exchanged a glance that said WOW!!! He deserves a lot of credit… He was well aware that he had enormous shoes to fill. He felt apprehensive about playing this role. I can only speculate. In this film, Tom Hanks plays Col Parker. He was quite the character. Colonel had two sides, and Jerry and I saw both of them.
“The story, as we all know, does not have a happy ending. But I think you will understand a little bit more of Elvis’ journey, penned by a directer who put his heart and soul and many hours into this film,” Priscilla concluded.
In February, the first trailer for Elvis was released, with Butler, 30, in the role of a lifetime, Tom Hanks, 65, as Elvis’ manager Colonel Tom Parker, and Australian actress Olivia DeJonge as a young Priscilla.
Priscilla recently told PEOPLE about adjusting to married life with the legendary artist and his legions of female followers. In September, she reflected, “My God, I had to learn everything.”
“Women gravitated to him,” Priscilla explained, “so I was anxious when he had to go somewhere alone.” “I’d even accompany him to the dentist to have his teeth cleaned! Everyone in the world was after him, so I kept an eye on him at all times.”
In 1959, at the age of 14, the Dallas actress met Elvis Presley for the first time. They married in 1967 before divorcing in 1973, and they have a daughter named Lisa Marie Presley, who is 54 years old. In 1977, Elvis Presley died after a heart attack.
“I will always remember the good days. There are always concerns and insecurities as you grow older “she said. “However, as you get older, you grasp everything.”
Priscilla also reaffirmed her commitment to preserving the crooner’s legacy even 45 years after his death.
“I want to make sure that these young people who are learning about him now will carry on the flame,” Priscilla said. “He leaves a fantastic legacy, and I will always treasure my time with him.”
Austin Butler will star in Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis, which will be released in theatres on June 24 and on HBO Max 45 days later.
