In 2019, Baz Luhrmann landed former child actor Austin Butler to star in his forthcoming Elvis Presley biopic, and the project's cast now includes present day blues rocker Gary Clark. Jr.
As Deadline reports, Clark Jr. will play the role of Delta blues singer-songwriter Arthur "Big Boy" Crudup, while Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Yola will play the role of musical pioneer Sister Rosetta Tharpe.
Clark Jr. and Yola join the previously announced Butler as Elvis Presley, Tom Hanks as Presley manager Colonel Tom Parker, Olivia DeJonge as Priscilla Presley, and Kelvin Harrison Jr. and Alton Mason as B.B. King and Little Richard, respectively.
Written alongside Craig Pearce, Luhrmann's project explores Presley's life and work through examining his relationship with manager Parker, which spanned more than two decades.
Deadline notes that the director was "adamant about mixing big music stars and up-and-coming talent to create authenticity and sincere cultural engagement."
Clark Jr. made his film debut in John Sayles' 2007 film Honeydripper. Last year, he appeared on a single from Stevie Wonder and released third LP This Land in 2019.
As Deadline reports, Clark Jr. will play the role of Delta blues singer-songwriter Arthur "Big Boy" Crudup, while Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Yola will play the role of musical pioneer Sister Rosetta Tharpe.
Clark Jr. and Yola join the previously announced Butler as Elvis Presley, Tom Hanks as Presley manager Colonel Tom Parker, Olivia DeJonge as Priscilla Presley, and Kelvin Harrison Jr. and Alton Mason as B.B. King and Little Richard, respectively.
Written alongside Craig Pearce, Luhrmann's project explores Presley's life and work through examining his relationship with manager Parker, which spanned more than two decades.
Deadline notes that the director was "adamant about mixing big music stars and up-and-coming talent to create authenticity and sincere cultural engagement."
Clark Jr. made his film debut in John Sayles' 2007 film Honeydripper. Last year, he appeared on a single from Stevie Wonder and released third LP This Land in 2019.
