Jacob Elordi Talks Austin Butler Comparisons And Controversial Elvis Portrayal On ‘Priscilla’

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Jacob Elordi is making waves in the entertainment world, and this time it’s not as a “troubled man” but as the King of Rock and Roll himself, Elvis Presley. The 26-year-old actor is set to take on the iconic role in the upcoming movie “Priscilla,” opposite Cailee Spaeny, directed by the talented Sofia Coppola.

“Priscilla” is based on Priscilla Presley’s memoir “Elvis and Me,” which tells the story of her life with Elvis, including their initial meeting and the beginning of their romance. The film has garnered its fair share of controversy, particularly due to the age gap between Priscilla and Elvis when their love story began.

In a recent interview with E! News, Jacob Elordi opened up about embracing this challenging and controversial role and addressed comparisons to Austin Butler, who most recently portrayed Elvis on the big screen and even received an Oscar nomination for his performance in the musician’s biopic.

Jacob reflected on the notion that he tends to play “troubled men” in his projects. He clarified, “I don’t know if it’s necessarily always troubled men. It’s just I enjoy playing complex people.”

When the interviewer mentioned that he was portraying a side of Elvis that people may not necessarily want to see, Jacob explained that his role was to honor Priscilla Presley’s book. He shared, “It was just my job to sort of respect Priscilla’s book. It’s all there on paper, and, you know, I’ve had conversations with her. So for me, it was portraying this person the way that she had described him in the moments that she had described.”

This approach demonstrates Jacob’s dedication to authenticity in his portrayal of Elvis, respecting the source material and the perspective of Priscilla Presley herself.

In the same interview, Jacob Elordi was asked about the comparisons between his performance as Elvis and Austin Butler’s Oscar-nominated portrayal. Jacob responded with good-natured enthusiasm, saying, “I think [the ‘Priscilla’ and ‘Elvis’ films] would be a killer double feature.” He then candidly addressed the competitive nature that often surrounds art and the entertainment industry. He remarked, “But I don’t know why people make art a blood sport. They turn it into the Colosseum. It’s absurd.”

Jacob’s approach to his craft and his outlook on the world of entertainment reflect his commitment to the art itself rather than engaging in rivalry. His portrayal of Elvis in “Priscilla” promises to be a compelling and nuanced performance, showcasing his dedication to his craft and the characters he embodies.

As Jacob Elordi steps into the iconic role of Elvis Presley, he brings his unique perspective and depth to the character, respecting the source material and staying true to the essence of the legendary musician. It’s clear that this talented actor is set to shine in this challenging role, and his thoughtful approach to portraying complex characters is sure to leave a lasting impression on audiences.