Tom Hanks To Play Elvis Presley's Manager in Director Baz Luhrmann's Upcoming Biopic

Tom Hanks is easily one of my all-time favorite actors, so whenever he lands a new movie role I can’t help but be excited. The actor is going to be joining director Baz Luhrmann’s untitled Elvis biopic and he will take on the role of Elvis’ iconic manager Colonel Tom Parker. Luhrmann is best known for his films such as The Great Gatsby, Romeo & Juliet, and Moulin Rouge.

Parker is the guy who discovered Presley when he was just an unknown musician. He ended up being his lone representation and was responsible for various milestones, including Presley’s record deal with RCA and his successful acting career.

According to Variety, Luhrmann always envisioned a star like Hanks for Parker’s part, but he is looking for a newcomer for the role of Presley.

The report goes on to say that “a budget is still being ironed out, but Hanks’ commitment will urge the studio to push the project forward.” Luhrmann wants to start shooting the film this year. Hanks seems to enjoy playing real-life people. Over the years he’s played Jim Lovell in Apollo 13, Washington Post editor Ben Bradlee in The Post, airline captain Chesley Sullenberger in Sully, Captain Richard Phillips in Captain Phillips, Walt Disney in Saving Mr. Banks, and Mister Rogers in the upcoming film A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.

Hanks also stars in the upcoming World War II drama Greyhound and reprises his role as Woody in Toy Story 4. Taking on the role of Colonel Tom Parker should be a great fit for the actor.

Luhrmann will direct the Elvis movie from a script he wrote with Craig Pearce.

What do you think about Hanks taking on the role of The Colonel and the fact that Luhrmann is the director who is making the Elvis biopic?