Variety is reporting that Oscar winner Tom Hanks (Cast Away, Forrest Gump, Philadelphia) is in talks to play Colonel Tom Parker, Elvis Presley’s manager, in Oscar nominee’s Baz Luhrmann’s (Moulin Rouge!, The Great Gatsby) upcoming biopic about the iconic musician.
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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.
The role will join Hanks’ long list of roles based on real-life people, including Jim Lovell in Apollo 13, Ben Bradlee in The Post, Chesley Sullenberger in Sully, Captain Richard Phillips in Captain Phillips, Walt Disney in Saving Mr. Banks, and Mister Rogers in the upcoming A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood for Sony. Hanks’ other upcoming projects include Toy Story 4 and the war drama Greyhound, based on the novel by C.S. Forester.
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The currently untitled Elvis biopic will be co-written by Luhrmann, who will direct, and BAFTA winner Craig Pearce (Romeo + Juliet, Moulin Rouge!). The outlet notes that the director is seeking out a newcomer to play the role of Presley and that the budget for the project is still being ironed out. Luhrmann hopes to get production started by next year.
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