Australian director Baz Luhrmann has unveiled a new project centered on the legendary Elvis Presley, marking a thrilling addition to his previous work on the celebrated biopic released in 2022. He took to social media on Friday to announce a documentary titled “EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert,” which will include previously unseen footage and recordings of the iconic singer.
Luhrmann shared that during the production of his earlier film, he embarked on a quest to find rumored hidden footage from Elvis’ famous 1970s concert films, “That’s The Way It Is” and “Elvis on Tour.” His search led to a remarkable discovery within the Warner Bros. film vaults, uncovering 68 boxes of film negatives and hidden 8mm footage. He invested two years compiling this footage and is excited to present it to fans.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the new documentary is the inclusion of unheard recordings of Elvis discussing his life and music, which served as inspiration for the project. He described it as a unique blend that does not fit the traditional molds of a documentary or concert film.
The forthcoming documentary follows the success of Luhrmann’s musical biopic, which grossed approximately US$288 million globally, making it Australia’s second-biggest film opening, surpassed only by Luhrmann’s own “The Great Gatsby.” The biopic has received critical acclaim, including eight Oscar nominations at the 2023 Academy Awards.
In addition to the announcement, the couple’s real estate news caught attention, with Luhrmann and his wife, Catherine Martin, selling their Gold Coast home for AU$5.72 million. Their relationship has faced changes as their children have recently moved out, leading to the couple living somewhat separate lives.
With a storied career and a profound ability to merge classic music styles with contemporary storytelling, Luhrmann continues to captivate audiences. Fans can look forward to the new documentary, which promises to offer a fresh perspective on Elvis Presley’s legacy. The anticipated release later this year is sure to delight Elvis enthusiasts and newcomers alike.