2017 will see the 40th anniversary of the death of Elvis Presley, and it is presumably this milestone that Weinstein Television is aiming for with a high profile biopic of the legendary entertainer. Elvis will be groundbreaking, in that it will see the company partner with the Presley Estate, along with Priscilla Presley (widow of Elvis), Jerry Schilling (member of Presley’s entourage), Harvey Weinstein and David Glasser (also of The Weinstein Company) as executive producers.
The 8-10 episode event will be based on the book Elvis, by Dave Marsh – a comprehensive study of the life and times of the man who changed music and pop culture forever. But, it is the unprecedented access to the star’s Graceland property, his private journals, and his personal effects that will make this project truly unique. Evidently, this type of opportunity has never before been provided.
In announcing the project, Priscilla Presley gave some indication as to why this biopic in particular has warranted the granting of such unlimited access to the Estate.
“I’m a big fan of Harvey Weinstein’s independent films. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to work with him on this show and tell the story of how Elvis changed the culture of music and initiated a revolution that changed the world.”
Harvey Weinstein explained the significance of the story of Elvis, and how it remains relevant in modern pop culture.
“To this day, Elvis is one of the few that lives up to the word ‘icon’. He is one of the most celebrated entertainers of all time, whose influence surpasses the music he created. People’s fascination with his story goes beyond the stage and this biopic will pay homage to his brilliant legacy, and give viewers an in-depth look at how he became The King.”
David Glasser of The Weinstein Company discussed the excitement around the level of access granted to the Presley Estate, and the chance to shoot footage at Graceland itself.
“We are thrilled to announce this biopic and our partnership with the Presley Estate. It’s an incredible opportunity to be the first ever scripted TV series to shoot at Graceland and have access to Elvis’ personal archives. Elvis redefined an entire generation’s relationship to music and pop culture. This show will be an authentic and riveting look at how that came about from start to finish.”
While Weinstein Television has yet to announce the writers and directors that will deliver this Elvis biopic, the biggest question mark hangs over the casting over the title role. Elvis Presley has remained a continuous on-screen presence during the last four decades, due to various historical films and TV series, as well as countless projects of all types featuring the now equally legendary legion of Elvis impersonators. The real Elvis has, in the past, been played by a range of actors, including Michael Shannon, Bruce Campbell, Rick Peters, Val Kilmer, David Keith, Shawn Wayne Klush, and Jonathan Rhys Meyers. With this Elvis production being arguably the highest profile to date, who do you think should play The King? Let us know your picks in the comments below.