Priscilla Presley Praises Sofia Coppola’s “Priscilla”
Adapted from Presley’s 1985 memoir, “Elvis and Me,” the film A24 stars Cailee Spaeny as Priscilla and Jacob Elordi as Elvis Presley.
“I am thrilled with the masterful Sofia Coppola’s interpretation of my book,” Presley shared on Instagram. “She has such an amazing perspective and I’ve always been a huge admirer of her work. I am sure this movie will take everyone on an exciting journey.
The film centers on a teenager Priscilla Beaulieu, who meets Elvis Presley at a party, and the rock ‘n roll superstar becomes someone completely unexpected in private moments: an electrifying crush, an ally in loneliness, a vulnerable best friend.
Presley’s comments come soon after the teaser trailer was released, as did reports that Elvis Presley’s estate was unaware of the production of “Priscilla.” A real estate official said so tmz extension writer-director Coppola’s vision of Graceland is inaccurate, calling the first look at the film “like a college movie.”
Presley is an executive producer of “Priscilla,” and Coppola said Vogue earlier this year that she’s met Presley “a few times” and that the singer has been “incredibly open” with her life story.
“He was also very supportive of Cailee during filming,” Coppola said. “It’s very unique to talk to her about the film as I’ve never done anything about a real person who was still alive – ‘The Bling Ring’ aside. But I want it to be emotionally authentic. She’s probably told these stories a million times, so I’m thankful she was so patient. It’s amazing how many details she can remember about that time in her life.”
Presley previously supported the 2022 Baz Luhrmann biopic “Elvis” starring Olivia DeJonge as Priscilla and Academy Award-nominated actor Austin Butler as Elvis. However, Coppola noted that “Priscilla” will be a very different kind of film.
“I think Baz is so unique and his take on that story was so creative,” Coppola told Vogue. “But Priscilla is such a minor character in that movie, so I never felt like I was treading the same territory…Priscilla is the very focus of (this movie). There are some aspects of Elvis’ career included, but it all takes place against the backdrop of their relationship and his developing identity. I loved how Baz tackled his story about him in a very collaged way, but I’m glad he didn’t get into a lot of Priscilla’s story because now I can really dive deep into it.
