Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis brought the story of the King of Rock and Roll to a new generation, starring Austin Butler in a transformative performance that earned him a Golden Globe. The film became one of the highest-grossing music biopics of all time, sparking widespread curiosity about the cast, historical accuracy, and where to watch the movie. With a soundtrack featuring remixed classics and new contributions from artists such as Doja Cat and Eminem, the film redefined how modern audiences engage with Elvis Presley’s legacy.
Beyond the spectacle and the iconic jumpsuits, the 2022 film generated significant discussion around the portrayal of Colonel Tom Parker, the accuracy of Presley’s life story, and the future of Elvis films. This guide compiles verified facts about the cast, crew, release dates, streaming availability, and the broader context of Presley’s filmography.
Who stars in the Elvis movie and who directed it?
The 2022 film Elvis was directed by Baz Luhrmann, known for his visually extravagant style in films such as Moulin Rouge! and The Great Gatsby. The lead role of Elvis Presley is played by Austin Butler, who underwent extensive vocal and physical training to embody the singer. Tom Hanks co-stars as Colonel Tom Parker, Presley’s enigmatic and controversial manager.
- Title: Elvis (2022)
- Director: Baz Luhrmann
- Lead Actor: Austin Butler (Elvis Presley), Tom Hanks (Colonel Tom Parker)
- Release Date: 24 June 2022 (US), 22 June 2022 (UK)
- Runtime: 2h 39m
- Streaming: Netflix (UK from May 2023)
- Rating: PG-13 (US) / 12A (UK)
Key insights about the production and reception
- The film grossed over $287 million worldwide against an $85 million budget, making it one of the highest-grossing music biopics. (IMDb)
- Austin Butler won the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama for his portrayal. (Wikipedia)
- The film features over 30 songs from Elvis Presley’s catalogue, many re-recorded or remixed for the soundtrack.
- Tom Hanks underwent a major physical transformation, wearing prosthetic makeup to portray the older Parker.
- Baz Luhrmann spent several years developing the project, with principal photography beginning in Australia in 2020.
- The supporting cast includes Olivia DeJonge as Priscilla Presley, Helen Thomson as Gladys Presley, and Richard Roxburgh as Vernon Presley. (Netflix)
Factual snapshot of the 2022 film
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Title | Elvis |
| Year | 2022 |
| Director | Baz Luhrmann |
| Writers | Baz Luhrmann, Sam Bromell, Craig Pearce, Jeremy Doner |
| Music | Elliot Wheeler (original score), various Elvis songs |
| Cinematography | Mandy Walker |
| Production Companies | Warner Bros. Pictures, Bazmark Films, The Jackal Group |
| Release Date | 24 June 2022 (US) |
| Running Time | 159 minutes |
| Country | United States, Australia |
| Budget | $85 million |
| Box Office | $287.3 million |
What role does Tom Hanks play in the Elvis movie?
Tom Hanks plays Colonel Tom Parker, the Dutch-born promoter who managed Elvis Presley for much of his career. The film portrays Parker as a manipulative figure who controlled nearly every aspect of Presley’s professional life, often at the expense of the singer’s freedom and well-being.
Understanding the Colonel
The relationship between Presley and Parker is central to the film’s narrative. Luhrmann frames the story through the lens of Parker’s unreliable memory, creating a stylised conflict between artistic expression and commercial exploitation. Hanks’s performance was widely noted for its sinister undertones, a departure from his usual everyman roles.
While the core relationship is factual, some details in the film are dramatised for narrative purposes. Historians have noted that Parker’s role in certain decisions, such as the 1968 Comeback Special, is portrayed differently than documented accounts suggest.
When was the Elvis movie released?
The film had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival on 25 May 2022, where it received a standing ovation. It opened in Australian cinemas on 23 June 2022 and in the United States on 24 June 2022. (Rotten Tomatoes)
Is the Elvis movie available on Netflix?
Yes, the 2022 film is available for streaming on Netflix in several regions, including the United Kingdom, where it arrived in May 2023. The Netflix listing confirms the main cast including Austin Butler, Tom Hanks, Olivia DeJonge, Helen Thomson, and others.
While the film is available on Netflix in the UK and other territories, streaming rights vary by country. In some regions, the film may also be available for purchase or rental on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play.
What are the old Elvis movies, including the 2005 film?
The 2022 film is the most prominent modern biographical film about Elvis Presley, but Presley himself starred in 31 feature films during his lifetime. The most notable of these include Love Me Tender (1956), Jailhouse Rock (1957), and Blue Hawaii (1961).
The 2005 film: Elvis: The Early Years
There is no major 2005 theatrical film titled Elvis. The search results instead point to a 2005 television movie titled Elvis: The Early Years, directed by James Steven Sadwith, in which Jonathan Rhys Meyers portrayed a young Elvis Presley. This film covers Presley’s early rise to fame and concludes with his first film role in Love Me Tender.
If you are searching for the “2005 Elvis movie”, no theatrical feature film with that exact title exists. The 2022 Baz Luhrmann film is the primary modern theatrical release covering Presley’s life.
Timeline of Elvis Presley’s life and the 2022 film production
- 1935: Elvis Presley born in Tupelo, Mississippi.
- 1954: Records first single “That’s All Right” at Sun Records.
- 1956: National phenomenon; first film Love Me Tender released.
- 1968: Comeback special (NBC) revitalises his career.
- 1977: Elvis dies at Graceland on 16 August.
- 2019: Baz Luhrmann announced as director of a new biopic; Austin Butler cast as Elvis.
- 2022: Film released worldwide in June; premieres at Cannes in May.
- 2023: Film arrives on Netflix in the UK.
Is there a new Elvis movie coming in 2026?
As of 2025, no official announcement has been made by a major studio regarding a sequel to the 2022 film or a new Elvis biopic releasing in 2026. Rumours circulating online remain unsubstantiated.
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| The 2022 film is directed by Baz Luhrmann and stars Austin Butler and Tom Hanks. | A “New Elvis movie 2026” is not officially confirmed by any major studio. |
| The film is available on Netflix in the UK as of May 2023. | Rumours may refer to a potential sequel, documentary, or archival project. |
| The 2005 film Elvis: The Early Years is a TV movie directed by James Steven Sadwith. | No credible announcement exists as of 2025. |
What is the cultural impact of the 2022 Elvis film?
The film was widely praised for Austin Butler’s performance and Baz Luhrmann’s distinct visual style, which combined archival footage with modern cinematic techniques. It revived interest in Elvis Presley’s music, particularly among younger audiences, and significantly boosted streaming numbers for his catalogue. Compared to other music biopics such as Bohemian Rhapsody (2018) and Rocketman (2019), Elvis took a more stylised, non-linear approach to biographical storytelling. Critics noted that while the film captured the chaos and charisma of Presley’s life, it took certain creative liberties with historical events.
Key quotes and critical reception
“Austin Butler is a revelation – he doesn’t just impersonate Elvis, he inhabits him.”
Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian
“The film is a dazzling, exhausting spectacle that captures the chaos and charisma of Elvis’s life.”
BBC Culture
“Tom Hanks as Colonel Parker is a sinister, tragic figure – a brilliant performance.”
Empire Magazine
Summary: What’s next for Elvis on screen?
As of 2025, no official announcement has been made about a sequel to the 2022 film or a new Elvis biopic in 2026. Fans are encouraged to monitor official sources such as the Graceland website for a full list of Elvis Presley films and concert movies. A documentary titled Elvis: The Searcher (2018) is available on HBO, and further archival projects may be released by the Elvis Presley Estate. For now, the 2022 film remains the definitive modern portrayal of the King’s life story. For a broader look at all screen portrayals, see the Elvis Presley filmography context section. The soundtrack of the 2022 film, released on 24 June 2022, remains a popular entry point for new listeners.
Frequently asked questions about the Elvis movie
Is the Elvis movie based on a true story?
Yes, the film is a biographical drama based on the life of Elvis Presley, though some events and characterisations are dramatised for cinematic effect.
How long is the Elvis movie?
The runtime is 159 minutes (2 hours 39 minutes).
What is the Elvis movie rated?
The film is rated PG-13 in the US for substance abuse, language, suggestive material, and smoking; 12A in the UK.
Who plays Elvis in the 2022 movie?
Austin Butler portrays Elvis Presley. He won a Golden Globe for the role.
What is the 2005 Elvis movie?
The 2005 film is Elvis: The Early Years, a TV movie directed by James Steven Sadwith, starring Jonathan Rhys Meyers as Elvis.
Where can I watch the Elvis movie?
In the UK, the 2022 film is available on Netflix. It may also be available for purchase or rental on digital platforms.
What role does Tom Hanks play?
Tom Hanks plays Colonel Tom Parker, Elvis’s controversial manager.
How much did the Elvis movie gross?
The film grossed over $287 million worldwide against an $85 million budget.
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Toby Marsh is Senior Reporter at Castradar.uk, covering film and TV stories across the UK.