The New Elvis is…

After the success of biopic films like Bohemian Rhapsody and Rocketman, Hollywood is on a roll to introduce another musical icon via the big screen in a new upcoming film.

With Freddie Mercury and Elton John having had their story portrayed, it is only but natural, if not fitting, to have the King next.

Which King? None other than, Elvis Presley.

Director Baz Luhrmann (Moulin Rouge) has confirmed that Austin Butler has snagged the title role in the upcoming, but still to be named drama film about the King of Rock and Roll.

The film is set to begin and trace Presley’s humble beginnings as a poor singer up to the time he becomes a global icon. The focus of the dramatic piece supposedly will be his relationship with his manager, Colonel Tom Parker, who incidentally will be played by another Tom. One whom we all know and love and that is, Tom Hanks.

Butler was up against other heavy hitters for the role including Ansel Elgort (Baby Driver, Divergent), Miles Teller (Divergent, Fantastic Four) and Harry Styles!

Luhrmann added that the search was extensive and that he was looking for an actor who had the ability to evoke a “singluar natural movement and vocal qualities” of the music icon, while at the same time able to channel his vulnerability. He had heard of Austin from his acclaimed performance on Broadway opposite Academy-Award winner, Denzel Washington on The Iceman Cometh.

TV viewers would recognize Austin more as Will Ohmsford, the reluctant half-elf turned hero in The Shannara Chronicles that aired for two seasons and based on the books of bestselling and beloved fantasy author, Terry Brooks.

But in the meantime, Austin is part of the cast of the latest Quentin Tarantino film, Once Upon A Time in Hollywood, where he stars alongside some of Hollywood heavy hitters like Al Pacino, Brad Pitt, and Leonardo Di Caprio. The new Tarantino film is slated to open July 26 in the US and a few weeks later in the UK on August 14.