Actor Jacob Elordi stepped into the role of iconic singer Elvis Presley for Sofia Coppola‘s upcoming film “Priscilla.” In a recent appearance on “The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon,” the Australian actor revealed that he did not truly learn of Elvis’ career until moving stateside, and that he first saw a glimpse in Disney’s “Lilo And Stitch.”
https:/twitter.com/PopCrave/status/1716919396537639266?s=20
In the film, the titular friendly alien Stitch learns to play the guitar to the tune of Elvis Presley’s “You’re the Devil in Disguise.”
The humorous and relatable answer from Elordi is garnering praise across social media.
Very credible source imo pic.twitter.com/3avxWrQAUx
— Rainy (@therainvvs) October 24, 2023
Elordi’s honesty regarding his introduction to Elvis is largely also being praised in part due to his vastly different approach to the part than his recent predecessor Austin Butler. Butler portrayed Elvis in Baz Luhrman’s biopic on the singer last year, and notably attracted criticism over his seemingly permanent deep, exaggerated southern drawl he spoke in during method exercises to get into character. The actor also initially did not credit his ex girlfriend of ten years, actress Vanessa Hudgens, for encouraging him to go for the part during their relationship.
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When people say "king" they're usually wrong. This is actually KING behavior.
— DudesExMachina (@DudesExMachina) October 24, 2023
As Elordi is a Gen Z actor, some found his response all the more endearing.
https://x.com/thejeasrd72/status/1716947743820886085?s=20
Girl me too lmao
— KEVIN BANANA 🌶️🔥 (@kevinbanana10) October 24, 2023
The Battle Of The Elvises
Many felt that Elordi’s ability to relate the role of the iconic singer to a younger generation bodes well for the upcoming film. Critics of Butler’s portrayal of the late Presley have long blasted his drawn out method acting approach.
HE'S SO REAL😭 i think every kid born between 1995 and 2005 grew up with that movie
— cami🦋 (@oasisraindrops) October 24, 2023
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Elordi’s recent comments continue the ongoing debate surrounding which actor will wind up becoming the best version of Presley. Many feel his down-to-earth approach to the press tour and ability to separate himself from the role signifies that the film will be successful.
Interesting how immensely different his strategy is to Austin Butler. That man promoted it like he changed his entire DNA to become Elvis, meanwhile Jacob Elordi is like, I just watch Lilo & Stitch and walked into set. That’s how I know Jacob will eat this up. https://t.co/XyVlYOBoRi
— donovan tolledo (@donnyhighrollah) October 24, 2023
austin butler / jacob elordi https://t.co/LPUnxtrAyp pic.twitter.com/jHHxcFFlAP
— ⊹ฺ☆.michota🪽⋆｡ﾟ (@peaudulait) October 25, 2023
Notably, the film “Priscilla” is based predominantly on Priscilla Presley‘s side of her relationship with Elvis, as told through her memoir “Elvis And Me.” The film’s female driven narrative storyline is a hallmark of director Sofia Coppola’s style, and the film is said to seek out the raw and true depiction of one of America’s most high profile marriages to date.
Priscilla’s memoir depicted the good, the bad and the ugly of the late Elvis Presley, and some fans sense that Elordi’s wider range of acting roles will bode well for this storyline.
austin butler is going to cry himself to sleep at night when jacob elordi receives praise for playing elvis!!! I JUST KNOW IT!!
— Lannah 🩷🦇⚰️ (@LemonadeLannah) October 18, 2023
Some even wonder if there will be an Oscar nomination to come out of his role in the film. Butler was nominated for his role, but ultimately lost to Brendan Fraser for his role in A24’s “The Whale.”
imagine if jacob elordi won an oscar for playing elvis in priscilla but austin butler didnt get the oscar for playing elvis in elvis
— Madeline Merinuk (@MMerinuk) October 24, 2023
Elsewhere, some remind audiences that regardless of Elordi’s Elvis, the focus on the film is intended to be Cailee Spaeny’s performance as Priscilla.
imagine if jacob elordi won an oscar for playing elvis in priscilla but austin butler didnt get the oscar for playing elvis in elvis
— Madeline Merinuk (@MMerinuk) October 24, 2023
The battle of the Elvises begins on Nov. 3 when “Priscilla” hits theaters.
