Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis Biopic Lands Yola for Sister Rosetta Tharpe

Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis biopic lands Yola for Sister Rosetta Tharpe

Variety has brought word that Baz Luhrmann’s upcoming Elvis Presley biopic has expanded its cast with the addition of British singer Yola to portray Sister Rosetta Tharpe, best known as the Godmother of rock ‘n roll. The 37-year-old singer also joins the recently cast Rufus Sewell (The Man in the High Castle).

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Sewell is set to portray the role of Presley’s father Vernon Presley, who was the one that handled the King of Rock’s finances due to his constant fear of returning to poverty.

Sewell recently starred in Rupert Goold’s biopic drama Judy starring alongside Oscar winner Renee Zellweger. His other notable film credits include: Hamlet, A Knight’s Tale, The Legend of Zorro, The Illusionist and he will next be seen in the drama film The Father opposite Oscar winner Anthony Hopkins and A Knight’s Tale Olivia Colman.

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Austin Butler (Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, The Dead Don’t Die) is starring in the lead role as Elvis alongside Oscar winner Tom Hanks (A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, The Post), who is playing Presley’s manager Colonel Tom Parker, and Olivia DeJonge (The Visit), who will play Presley’s only wife Priscilla.

The movie will explore the life and music of Elvis through his complicated relationship with his manager, Colonel Tom Parker. Parker discovered Presley when he was just an unknown and quickly moved in as his lone representation. Parker was responsible for various milestones, including Presley’s record deal with RCA and his successful acting career.

Buy Elvis Presley’s greatest hits now.

Elvis biopic will be co-written by Luhrmann, who will direct, and BAFTA winner Craig Pearce (Romeo + Juliet, Moulin Rouge!). Luhrmann will also produce alongside Oscar winner Catherine Martin (The Great Gatsby), Gail Berman, Patrick McCormick, and Schuyler Weiss. Andrew Mittman will serve as an executive producer

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It was previously reported that the budget for the project is still being ironed out. The Warner Bros. movie will begin its production this coming spring in Queensland, Australia, with the film slated for an October 1, 2021 release.

(Photo by ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images)

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