Fact vs. Fiction in Baz Luhrmann's Elvis

Baz Luhrmann's 2022 biopic Elvis stirred hearts (and hips!) as he delved into the life and times of the King of Rock & Roll. Biographer and music journalist Alanna Nash spoke with Variety to clarify what's fact and what's fiction from the film. Read on 👇 

FACT: As portrayed, Elvis did attend Black churches as a kid with his friend Sam Bell in Tupelo. Segregation was not something the Presley family abided by. He also attended East Trigg Baptist Church - an all Black church in Memphis - to enjoy their gospel music.

FICTION: Elvis never fired his manager Tom Parker on stage. However, in 1974 Elvis did use stage time to publicly criticize the firing of one of his favorite employees. This resulted in a huge shouting match, threats, and Parker presenting the Presleys with an exorbitant bill.

FACT: Elvis was, in fact, never allowed to tour internationally. Parker did not have a passport and would not trust any other promoter to take him. He cited security, venue sizes and money as reasons for him performing in the U.S. only.

FICTION: Parker absolutely did not pressure Elvis to tone down his sex appeal. He knew what sold and had no problem with Elvis being something of a male striptease artist. Only his drug use and erratic behavior on stage in the 1970's caused problems for Parker.

FACT: Just as the movie portrays, Hank Snow truly did resent Elvis after taking him on the road as an opening act. When it was clear that Elvis became the draw at shows instead of him, Snow's well known large ego took a big hit.

FICTION: Parker is portrayed as being pressured by secret government forces to keep Elvis from corrupting the youth. However, this is a total fabrication. Parker actually worked with the Pentagon planning Elvis' army career and post-army fundraiser concert.

FACT: Riots at Elvis concerts were absolutely true. Most notably there was a large riot at an Elvis concert in Jacksonville, Florida.

FICTION: While Elvis did enlist in the military's Special Services as portrayed, it was not to dampen any sexual energy. Parker actually instigated the enlistment in order to help Elvis gain an "all American boy", clean-cut appeal for families and to broaden his audience.

Luhrmann's Elvis received a 12 minute standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival, along with $31m opening weekend, and Austin Butler was instantly rumored as a frontrunner for the Academy Award for Best Actor. Both the facts and creative fiction made this a quality blockbuster.