Priscilla Presley reacts to Elvis biopic starring Austin Butler: 'He had big shoes to fill'

Elvis Presley's ex-wife, Priscilla Presley, has responded to the biopic about the late legend.

The 76-year-old took to Facebook over the weekend, praising director Baz Luhrmann's Elvis, which will premiere at the Cannes Film Festival next month ahead of its theatrical release in Australia on June 23.

"For those curious about the new film ELVIS, Baz Luhrmann, the director, provided a private screening for me and Jerry Schilling at Warner studios recently," she revealed in her post. Schilling is her late ex-husband's longtime friend.

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"This story is about Elvis and Colonel Parker's relationship. It is a true story told brilliantly and creatively that only Baz, in his unique artistic way, could have delivered."

Priscilla went on to praise the biopic's lead star, Austin Butler, for his work in portraying the 'Suspicious Minds' singer.

"Austin Butler, who played Elvis is outstanding," she added. "Halfway through the film Jerry and I looked at each other and said WOW!!! Bravo to him…"

The Naked Gun star continued, "He knew he had big shoes to fill. He was extremely nervous playing this part. I can only imagine."

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Priscilla also recalled meeting Elvis' manager, Colonel Tom Parker, who is played by Tom Hanks.

"What a character he was," she reflected. "There was two sides to Colonel, Jerry and I witnessed both. The story, as we all know, does not have a happy ending. But I think you will understand a little bit more of Elvis' journey, penned by a director who put his heart and soul and many hours into this film."

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Priscilla married Elvis in Las Vegas in 1967 and welcomed daughter Lisa Marie Presley the following year. The couple's divorce was finalised in 1973.

Footage of Elvis was screened at CinemaCon this week, where Butler made an appearance and discussed his approach to playing the legendary music superstar who passed away in 1977 at the age of 42.

"The main thing I set out to find was his humanity," the actor, 30, told the crowd. "He's one of those individuals that has been lifted up to such an iconic status that he's almost superhuman."