Priscilla Presley calls Austin Butler's portrayal of Elvis 'incredible' after an initial confused reaction

Priscilla Presley has praised Austin Butler's performance in the new Elvis biopic despite feeling puzzled at one point of the movie

Austin
(Image credit: Getty)

Priscilla Presley has hailed Austin Butler's performance in Elvis as 'amazing', after admitting she was initially confused by the private screening. 

The ex-wife of the Elvis Presley had strong praise for the new Baz Luhrmann movie, calling its lead actor's portrayal of the late King of Rock'n'Roll "unbelievable" in a recent interview. 

Austin Butler has been receiving rave reviews for his impersonation of Elvis in the 2022 biopic and can now add the endorsement of the legendary musician's family to his already stellar CV. The highly-anticipated film, which also features Tom Hanks and Helen Thomson, chronicles the incredible journey of the 60s icon from aspiring singer to world-renowned superstar and hits UK cinemas on June 24. 

Speaking exclusively to Extra, Priscilla Presley has now shared her reaction to the Elvis movie - and why she was somewhat confused when she first watched it. 

"It was very emotional, my daughter [Lisa Marie Presley] felt the same way," she said. "Only because he got Elvis to a T, I mean to a T. It is unbelievable what this kid did, Austin Butler. He spent two years studying about Elvis, so that was like a shock to watch. Even some of the songs. [A talent manager who worked with Elvis] Jerry Schilling sat next to me, we had a private screening, and I said, ‘Is that Elvis or is that Austin?’ and he goes, ‘No, that’s Elvis.’ And then I go, ‘Are you sure?’ and then about a minute later he goes, ‘That’s Austin.’ That’s how amazing he is.”

Priscilla

(Image credit: Getty)

What age were Priscilla and Elvis when they got married?

Priscilla Beaulieu married 32-year-old Elvis Presley when she was 21, seven years after they first met. The couple tied the knot on 1 May, 1967, in a intimate ceremony at the Aladdin Hotel in Las Vegas, and went on to celebrate their nuptials with a champagne breakfast reception attended by about 100 guests. 

Elvis and Priscilla

(Image credit: Getty)

When did Priscilla and Elvis get divorced? 

The A-list couple's marriage officially ended in October 1973, a year and a half after Priscilla moved out of their California home and into her own two-bedroom apartment. By this point, Elvis had been unfaithful multiple times in their relationship, and she had begun her own extramarital romance with a karate instructor, Mike Stone. 

Emma Dooney
Lifestyle News Writer

Hailing from the lovely city of Dublin, Emma mainly covers the Royal Family and the entertainment world, as well as the occasional health and wellness feature. Always up for a good conversation, she has a passion for interviewing everyone from A-list celebrities to the local GP - or just about anyone who will chat to her, really.


Emma holds an MA in International Journalism from City, University of London, and a BA in English Literature from Trinity College Dublin.