Elvis Presley Movie Explores Singer's Faith
The race to produce the first ever Elvis Presley film is underway, with one of the four separate projects set to focus on the iconic singer's faith.
Some of Hollywood's biggest names in showbiz are preparing four distinct films about Presley's life, but only one will gain renowned recognition as the first ever Elvis Presley movie.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the options include a "biopic" film, said to be based on Peter Guralnick's biography Last Train to Memphis.
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Also in the running The Identical which will examine Presley's faith, Fame & Fortune based on a memoir, and Elvis & Nixon which reenacts Presley's brush with the former president.
While some of the films are said to have been in the works for years, others are still in early stages and production delays are expected.
Copyright issues, estate matters and difficulties securing endorsements are said to be just some of the obstacles being faced by producers.
Legal counsel Phillip Korkis of CMG, an IP firm, explained, "It is always complicated with such an estate, especially when you have music rights involved. There are several parties who need to get what they want."
Although there are no set film release dates, Elvis fans are said to be reeling in excitement.
There have been many debates over Elvis Presley's faith.
While some believe he was Jewish, his gospel music has led others to assume he was a devout Christian.
Christian blog paskewich.com claimed Presley's Christian stepbrother David Stanley, has said the Rock ‘n’ Roll King was also a Christian who "believed in Jesus."
The blog quoted him as saying, "Elvis read a lot of books, The Impersonal Life, the Shroud of Turin, endless, but he always went back to the Bible."
The Identical reportedly "focuses on Presley's interest in gospel music and his religious roots," it also has a budget of $3 million, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Presley won three Grammy awards for his popular gospel music.
He died in 1977 reportedly from a heart attack.
