Priscilla Presley Praises ‘Lightning’ Star Austin Butler: ‘He Needs Big Shoes’

Priscilla Presley offers her thoughts on her upcoming film about her ex-husband Elvis Presley after watching a private screening.

Presley, 76, posted his praise of director Baz Luhrmann on Facebook on Friday. ElvisWhich will premiere at the Cannes Film Festival next month, ahead of Warner Bros. hit theaters on June 24th. bare arms The actor said he saw the film with Elvis’ old friend Jerry Schilling and was particularly impressed with Austin Butler in the title role.

“This story is about the relationship between Elvis and Colonel Parker,” Presley wrote. “This is a true story told brilliantly and creatively that only the base could tell in its unique artistic form. Austin Butler, who played Elvis, is excellent. Halfway through the movie, Jerry and I looked at each other and said wow! Bravo to him…he knew he had to wear big shoes. I was very nervous playing this role. “I imagine.”

He went on to share memories of Elvis’ manager, Colonel Tom Parker, portrayed in the Tom Hanks film. “What a character he was,” Presley wrote of Parker. “The colonel had two sides, Jerry and I were witnesses. The story, as we all know, does not have a happy ending. But I think you’ll learn a little more about Elvis’ Journey, written by a director who put his heart, soul and many hours into this film.”

Elvis and Priscilla were married in Las Vegas in 1967 and the following year they had a daughter, Lisa Marie Presley. The couple divorced in 1973.

Warner Bros. showed footage from the film this week at CinemaCon, where Butler discussed his approach to the role of the legendary music superstar, who died in August 1977 at age 42. The 30-year-old actor told the crowd. “He’s one of those people who’s ascended to such a cult status it’s almost superhuman.”