When It Rains It's Four: Elvis Poised To Conquer The Big Screen
It's been thirty-four years since one of the most influential figures in the music industry died. Yet time and time again, attempts to make an Elvis Presley biopic has led to Heartbreak Hotel. In this respect, among others, Elvis might as well be the Holy Grail.
In a time where biographical films are a dime a dozen, the King of Rock and Roll has remained strangely elusive. CXK Inc. is fiercely protective over Elvis' works, making any attempts at translating the icon's life on screen extra challenging.
"A biopic about Elvis is a gargantuan challenge, and that's probably why there hasn't been one," a veteran producer tells The Hollywood Reporter.
On paper, Presley's life is perfect material for the big screen. A humble childhood, a rollercoaster relationship with his wife Priscilla and his wild, unprecedented fame - all of these combined should have lead to at least three biographical films by the 21st century.
There's zero for now, but within a year or two, there might be plenty of Elvis films around to satisfy fans who have been waiting for three decades.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, there are currently four unauthorized Elvis projects in development.
Billionaire Steve Bing is set to produce a traditional adaptation of Presley's biography "Last Train to Memphis" with screenwriter John Fusco.
"Elvis & Nixon", a comedic flick that chronicles Presley's White House visit, has already reportedly cast Eric Bana as the singer and Danny Huston as Richard Nixon.
Another adaptation "Fame & Fortune" offers an insider's perspective, telling a story of a former bodyguard's relationship with Presley.
Rounding off the Elvis projects is "The Identical", which will focus on one of the many Elvis impersonators and will have more of a faith-based angle.
One of the many obstacles to making a film is purchasing the licenses of the crooner's famous hits, which can be extremely pricey.
"CKX has not been asked for any licenses to Elvis Presley's music by any of these film projects, nor has it granted any," a representative of the company says, but declines to give further comments.