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NY Post
New York Post
24 Aug 2023


NextImg:Sofia Coppola was denied permission to use Elvis Presley’s music in ‘Priscilla’

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Sofia Coppola’s request to use Elvis Presley’s music in her upcoming film, “Priscilla,” was denied — but the director, writer and producer of the controversial biopic that will tell the story of Priscilla Presley’s relationship with the King of Rock and Roll says she totally understands.

“They don’t like projects that they haven’t originated, and they’re protective of their brand,” Coppola, 52, told The Hollywood Reporter in a joint interview with Priscilla Presley, 78.  “But that made us be more creative.” 

The “they” that Coppola referred to is Elvis Presley Enterprises, which is 85% owned by Authentic Brands Group and 15% owned by the Presley family.

Authentic Brands Group, which also owns the rights to Muhammad Ali and Marilyn Monroe’s likeness, notably signed off on Baz Luhrmann’s request to use Elvis’ music in the 2022 biopic starring Austin Butler

Priscilla Presley, 78, with Sofia Coppola, 52.
Melodie Mcdaniel

Coppola’s “Priscilla” project, based on Presley’s 1985 memoir, “Elvis and Me,” has been repeatedly criticized since the film was announced.

Officials from the Elvis Presley estate have slammed the movie, calling it “horrible” and a “money grab.”

“This is just another example of Priscilla squeezing every dollar out of her relationship with Elvis and not caring about the ramifications,” a source told Page Six

Elvis Presley looking at the camera.
Elvis Presley’s music won’t be in the controversial movie “Priscilla.”
Bettmann Archive

And of course there’s the story itself — in real life, Priscilla (played by Cailee Spaeny, 25) was just 14 when she met Elvis (played by Jacob Elordi, 26), a decade older than her. 

According to THR, the movie will also include eyebrow-raising scenes such as Elvis picking out Priscilla’s clothes for her, as well as losing his temper and giving her a black eye during a pillow fight. 

“It was a different time,” Presley told a reporter. “I lived in his world. I wanted to please him. I wanted to fit in. I wanted to have fun with him. I wanted to see what it was that he liked.”

Jacob Elordi smiling.
Jacob Elordi as Elvis in “Priscilla.”
A24

She admitted, however, that she’s “nervous” for audiences to see the movie, “Because it’s my life.” 

To get around the inability to use Elvis’ music, Coppola’s husband Thomas Mars, 46, reportedly contributed a portion of the film’s music along with his band Phoenix, including a Frankie Avalon “Venus” cover. 

The movie will also reportedly feature an ‘80s Ramones cover of The Ronettes’ 1963 song “Baby, I Love You.”

 Cailee Spaeny and Jacob Elordi in "Priscilla" posing on a bed.
Cailee Spaeny and Jacob Elordi in “Priscilla.”
A24

Coppola, who is the daughter of Francis Ford Coppola, said that she thought Priscillla Presley’s story would be “juicy and glamorous” but she ended up finding it to be relatable. 

“I know from my family what it’s like to be inside a show business family,” Coppola said.

“I know that growing up, people are looking at you in a different way. And also living in a house with my dad, this big personality, a great artist and a lot of our life revolving around that. And seeing my mom’s life, how she was trying to find her way within his, I could relate to that.”

Sofia Coppola smiling.
Sofia Coppola said she related to Priscilla’s story because of her own showbiz family.
Andrew H. Walker/Shutterstock
Jacob Elordi playing guitar from behind.
Jacob Elordi as Elvis in “Priscilla.”
A24
A pregnant Priscilla Presley (Cailee Spaeny) in "Priscilla" looking at herself in the mirror.
A pregnant Priscilla Presley (Cailee Spaeny) in “Priscilla.”
A24
Priscilla Presley smiling.
Priscilla Presley also denied rumors of a feud with her granddaughter, Riley Keough.
Getty Images
Priscilla Presley (Cailee Spaeny) and Elvis (Jacob Elordi) in "Priscilla" in bed together.
Priscilla Presley (Cailee Spaeny) and Elvis (Jacob Elordi) in “Priscilla.”
A24
Jacob Elordi surrounded by a crowd in "Priscilla."
Officials from the Elvis Presley estate have slammed “Priscilla” and called it a “money grab.”
A24

Meanwhile, Presley denied rumors that she was feuding with her granddaughter, Emmy nominated actress Riley Keough, 34, over the late Lisa Marie Presley’s estate. 

“Riley is now the executor, which should be right, obviously, being her daughter,” she said, despite having contested her daughter’s will, before settling the legal dispute in June

“Riley and I are on good terms. We were never not on good terms. That was all publicity.”

“Priscilla” hits theaters October 27.