Priscilla Presley defends Elvis romance biopic despite fan and critic backlash

Priscilla Presley has backed the upcoming film Priscilla, based on her her 1985 memoir Elvis and Me, despite a backlash from fans and critics after the first trailer was released.

The biopic stars Jacob Elordi and Cailee Spaeny as the central couple and has been written, produced and directed by Academy Award winner Sofia Coppola. It follows hot on the heels of Baz Luhrmann’s musical biopic Elvis, which chronicled The King’s rise to stardom and then his decline in the 1970s.

Priscilla was only 14 when she met the rock’n’roll star, who was 24 at the time, and it’s unclear how critical the film will be about this central romance, something which has hit a nerve with its potential audience, reports The Daily Express US.

In her latest Instagram post, Priscilla wrote: “I am excited about the interpretation of my book by the masterful Sofia Coppola. She has such an extraordinary perspective and I have always been such an admirer of her work. I’m certain this movie will take everyone on an emotional journey.”

READ MORE: Priscilla Presley speaks out after Elvis estate blasts biopic movie

Coppola’s film will tell his ex-wife’s side of the story and delve into their tumultuous relationship. An official synopsis reads: “When teenage Priscilla Beaulieu meets Elvis Presley at a party, the man who is already a meteoric rock-and-roll superstar becomes someone entirely unexpected in private moments.

“A thrilling crush, an ally in loneliness, a vulnerable best friend. Through Priscilla’s eyes, Sofia Coppola tells the unseen side of a great American myth in Elvis and Priscilla’s long courtship and turbulent marriage.

“From a German army base to his dream-world estate at Graceland, in this deeply felt and ravishingly detailed portrait of love, fantasy and fame.”

Luhrmann’s film has already received criticism for glossing over aspects of Elvis’ romance with teenage Priscilla. The Oscar-nominated musical drama starred Austin Butler as Elvis, and some fans are also unsure Elordi’s performance will reach the same heights.

However, Coppola has said Priscilla will be taking centre stage this time, telling Collider: “I loved how Baz approached his story in a very collage-y way. But I’m glad it didn’t go into much of Priscilla’s story because now I can really dive deep. I think Baz is so unique and his take on that story was so creative.

“But Priscilla is such a minor character in that film, so I never felt like I was treading on the same territory.”