It was announced this Wednesday that Weinstein Television has partnered with Elvis Presley’s estate to develop a scripted television biopic based on the rock ’n’ roll crooner’s life. The Weinstein Company, as part of their deal, have been granted the rights to Presley’s musical catalog and have the honor of being the first to shoot at Elvis’s home, Graceland. The show will also will have access to Presley’s cars, clothes and other personal items.
The series will be based on the 1982 book Elvis by Dave Marsh and is slated to showcase the incredible life and career of the “King of Rock and Roll”. Elvis Presley is so much more than a mere musician; he has become an icon and has influenced culture immensely, continuing to do so. Elvis remains the best-selling solo artist of all time, with sales exceeding 600 million, Billboard estimates. At the peak of his popularity, he acted in several films before he died in 1977 at the age of 42.
Harvey Weinstein, Co-Chairman of TWC, reiterated this: “To this day, Elvis is one of the few that lives up to the word ‘icon’. He is one of the most celebrated entertainers of all time whose influence surpasses the music he created. People’s fascination with his story goes beyond the stage and this biopic will pay homage to his brilliant legacy and give viewers an in-depth look at how he became ‘The King.’”
Presley’s ex-wife, Priscilla Presley, will serve as executive producer of the show alongside Jerry Schilling, Harvey Weinstein and David Glasser.
“I’m a big fan of Harvey Weinstein’s independent films,” Priscilla Presley said Wednesday. “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to work with him on this show and tell the story of how Elvis changed the culture of music and initiated a revolution that changed the world.”
President and COO of TWC, David Glasser added, “We are thrilled to announce this biopic and our partnership with the Presley Estate. It’s an incredible opportunity to be the first-ever scripted TV series to shoot at Graceland and have access to Elvis’ personal archives. Elvis redefined an entire generation’s relationship to music and pop culture. This show will be an authentic and riveting look at how that came about from start to finish.”
“We are excited to work with Harvey Weinstein and the team on this special project,” said Jamie Salter, Chairman and CEO of Authentic Brands Group and owner of Elvis Presley Enterprises, LLC. “Partnering with producers of this caliber enables us to provide viewers with a new and original experience that is as captivating as the King himself.”
“This project will truly honor everything that made Elvis Presley a central figure of our time,” said Nick Woodhouse, President and CMO, Authentic Brands Group, owner of Elvis Presley Enterprises, LLC. “We are thrilled to be working with Weinstein Television and our Executive Producers on this TV biopic. This format enables us to do justice to Elvis’ rich and compelling story, which will be sure to thrill audiences.”