Baz Luhrmann Developing an Elvis Presley Stage Musical Project

Baz Luhrmann is working on a captivating Elvis stage musical, expanding his creative tribute to the King of Rock 'n' Roll.

Baz Luhrmann’s New Elvis Musical Comes to Life

If you’re a fan of Baz Luhrmann’s flamboyant and heartfelt storytelling, here’s something to get excited about! The visionary Australian filmmaker—famous for his dazzling cinematic style—has just let slip that he’s cooking up a stage musical based on the life and legendary career of Elvis Presley. That’s right, the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll is about to get another spectacular makeover, this time under the spotlight of live theatre.

Elvis Presley electrifying the crowd in 1968

During a recent interview with Dan Morrissey on Magic Radio, Luhrmann was asked about rumors regarding future Elvis projects. With a twinkle, he confirmed, “It’s being worked on, it’s happening,” before cheekily admitting, “I don’t know if I was supposed to announce it but, hey, I just did.” How’s that for a surprise reveal?

Passing the Torch with Creative Trust

While Baz Luhrmann remains the driving force behind this new musical, he explained that he won’t be deeply involved in the day-to-day creative process this time around. Instead, similar to how he entrusted Alex Timbers with directing the 2001 film adaptation of Moulin Rouge, Luhrmann is ready to hand over his vision to someone else to carry forward.

He shared a candid insight: “I’m not doing it because I have this thing I’ve learned… I can never go backwards. I can’t be me when I was 28 doing Romeo + Juliet [1996], but I love handing it on. I’m not precious. I’m like ‘Take my baby!’” This openness to collaboration shows Luhrmann’s trust in fresh perspectives while keeping the heart of Elvis alive.

From Screen to Stage: The Elvis Legacy Continues

This stage musical isn’t Baz’s first dive into Elvis territory. His 2022 biopic Elvis, starring Austin Butler and Tom Hanks, brought the King’s story vividly to life on the big screen. The film didn’t just wow audiences; it snagged eight Academy Award nominations, cementing its status as a modern classic biopic.

Since then, Luhrmann has teased fans with hints about a four-hour “director’s assembly” cut of the film—think of it as a supercharged extended edition packed with extra beats and deeper dives into Elvis’s world. But Baz didn’t stop there.

EPiC: A Concert Film with a Personal Touch

In addition to the biopic, Baz Luhrmann produced EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert, a fascinating documentary and concert film experience. Premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September, this film centers on Elvis’s legendary 1970 Las Vegas residency. What makes it so special? It features narration from Presley himself, using rediscovered audio recordings that add an intimate, haunting layer to the storytelling.

The film draws from over 50 hours of unseen footage that Baz uncovered during the making of his 2022 movie, giving fans a rare, treasured glimpse into Elvis’s captivating stage presence.

EPiC hit IMAX theaters on February 20, followed by a general release soon after, fueling excitement across cinema lovers and Elvis fans alike. Sony and RCA Records also released a soundtrack packed with remixes of classic live recordings and brand new mixes, breathing fresh life into Elvis’s timeless sound.

Watch the EPiC Official Teaser Trailer

Baz Luhrmann’s Vision: More Than Just a Concert Film

When speaking about EPiC earlier this year, Baz emphasized that this film is much more than your average concert or documentary flick. He told Deadline,

I wouldn’t call it a documentary, or a concert film; our aim here is to make something new in the Elvis canon … to bring something to the screen that befits the magnitude of Elvis as a performer but also offers deeper revelations of his humanity and inner life.

It’s a bold mission: to honor Elvis's larger-than-life persona while peeling back the curtain on the man beneath the rhinestones and jumpsuits.

The Magic of Rediscovered Footage

The buzz surrounding EPiC began months before its release, when the first trailer surfaced. It shows an iconic moment of Elvis twirling his ring and tapping his foot, moments before taking the stage. The trailer’s text reads, “In 1969, Elvis returned to the stage to begin a legendary residency in Las Vegas. For 40 years, there have been rumors of lost footage… It was found.” This discovery feels like unearthing a piece of rock ‘n’ roll history, giving fans a chance to relive the energy and charisma of Elvis at his peak.

Conclusion: What’s Next for Elvis and Baz Luhrmann?

Baz Luhrmann’s ongoing devotion to Elvis Presley’s story—whether through film, concert, or now stage musical—is a testament to the King’s undying influence and Baz’s creative passion. As a fan, it’s thrilling to watch this journey unfold, knowing that every project brings something fresh and heartfelt to Elvis’s legacy. What surprises will the stage musical hold? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the King’s spirit will continue to rock audiences in dazzling new ways.

FAQ

• What is Baz Luhrmann’s new project about?
  He is working on a stage musical focused on the life and career of Elvis Presley.
• Will Baz Luhrmann direct the new Elvis musical?
  Baz is involved but is not taking the lead role; he’s passing the creative reins to others.
• How successful was Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis biopic?
  The 2022 film starring Austin Butler earned eight Academy Award nominations.
• What is EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert?
  It’s a concert film featuring Elvis’s 1970 Las Vegas residency, with rare footage and narration from Elvis himself.
• When was the EPiC concert film released?
  It premiered in IMAX theaters on February 20, followed by a general release shortly after.

If you’re as inspired by Elvis’s timeless charisma and Baz Luhrmann’s artistic vision as we are, why not bring some rock ‘n’ roll magic into your own space? Shop your favorite Elvis album cover posters at our store for a nostalgic nod to the King’s iconic style: Architeg Prints.