Baz Luhrmann has officially confirmed plans for a new stage show based on the life of Elvis Presley. The acclaimed director, known for his work on the 2022 biopic Elvis, which featured Austin Butler in the title role, revealed details about the upcoming production during an appearance on Magic Radio. “It’s being worked on, it’s happening,” Luhrmann stated, adding, “I don’t know if I was supposed to announce it but, hey, I just did.”
While Luhrmann is excited about the project, he clarified that he will not take a hands-on role in its development. He likened the process to the creation of the successful stage adaptation of his earlier film, Moulin Rouge!. He explained, “I can never go backwards. I can’t be me when I was 28 doing Romeo and Juliet or Strictly Ballroom. But I really love handing it on, I’m not precious… I’m like, ‘take my baby!’”
The announcement comes after Luhrmann’s recent exploration of Elvis Presley’s life through the documentary EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert. This film, which presents archival footage from Elvis’ 1969 residency at the International Hotel in Las Vegas, provided Luhrmann with deeper insights into the artist’s persona. He described the film as “a cinematic tone poem,” emphasizing the unique approach to presenting Elvis’ music and life, rather than following a traditional documentary format.
Previously, Elvis’ music has been featured in various stage productions, including the musical Jailhouse Rock, based on his 1957 film, which debuted in London’s West End in 2004. Another notable production, All Shook Up, opened on Broadway in 2005, showcasing a selection of the King’s classic hits. These productions have helped keep Elvis’ legacy alive in the theatre world.
As Luhrmann prepares for this new stage venture, he reflects on the information he uncovered while working on EPiC. “We found 40 minutes of footage of him actually talking about his life, himself,” he revealed. This type of intimate access to Elvis’ life story could enrich the new stage show, potentially offering audiences a fresh perspective on the icon who passed away in 1977 at the age of 42.
Details about the timeline for the stage show’s launch remain unclear, but Luhrmann’s confirmation has generated excitement among fans and theatre enthusiasts. With his unique storytelling style and passion for the subject, expectations are high for what this new production will bring to the stage.
