Maggie Gyllenhaal joins the cast of Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis biopic

There’s no time to rest for Baz Luhrmann!

Australian-born Baz has been busy at work with the current Broadway production of Moulin Rouge! (and preparations for its Melbourne Premiere in 2021), but that hasn’t stopped him from a new project.

It was announced this week that Maggie Gyllenhaal will be joining the project, starring as Gladys Presley, Elvis’ mother. From a family of actors, Maggie has an extensive list of film and TV credits such as The Dark Knight, Donnie Darko, The Honourable Woman, and Deuce; and has performed in several Broadway and Off-Broadway plays including The Real Thing, Three Sisters, and Uncle Vanya.

The biopic following the life of the iconic rock and roll star and the relationship with his manager Colonel Tom Parker was announced earlier in the year, with Austin Butler cast as Elvis Presley and Tom Hanks as Colonel Tom. Australian Olivia DeJonge is also starring, as Elvis’ wife, Priscilla.

The film is scheduled for release in October 2021.