Baz Luhrmann Reportedly in Talks to Direct Elvis Biopic

BY Alex HudsonPublished May 2, 2014

There's an Elvis Presley biopic in the works, and the planned film may have found its director, since Baz Luhrmann (Romeo + Juliet, Moulin Rouge!, The Great Gatsby) is reportedly in talks to come on board.

While Luhrmann hasn't yet been formally confirmed as director, talks have apparently been in the works for several weeks, and it's expected that the deal with go ahead, The Wrap reports. His Oscar-winning wife Catherine Martin will also likely be tapped as costume designer.

The film is currently being written by Kelly Marcel (Saving Mr. Banks, Fifty Shades of Grey, Terra Nova). It's being spearheaded by Warner Bros., and the music rights have reportedly been secured. Gail Berman is producing and Andrew Mittman will executive produce.

The screenplay is an original and isn't based on another source. While the film is reportedly a biopic, it's unknown which period of Elvis' life it will focus on.

Given the visual opulence of Luhrmann's films, he seems like a good bet to direct a film about the King. Let's just hope it doesn't include any Great Gatsby-style hip-hop anachronisms.

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