(L to R) Jacob Elordi and Cailee Spaeny star in director Sofia Coppola’s ‘Priscilla.’
Opening in theaters in limited release on October 27th before opening wide on November 3rd is the new biopic ‘Priscilla,’ which was directed by Oscar-winner Sofia Coppola (‘Lost in Translation’).
Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Cailee Spaeny and Jacob Elordi about their work on ‘Priscilla,’ bringing her story to the screen, how Spaeny prepared for the role, Elordi’s performance, showing a different side of Elvis, and working with Sofia Coppola.
Cailee Spaeny in director Sofia Coppola’s ‘Priscilla.’ Photo: A24.
Moviefone: To begin with, Cailee, how did you prepare to play this role and what was it like bringing Priscilla Presley’s story to the screen?
Cailee Spaeny: Well, it was first the book that she wrote in the 1980s and the script leans heavily on it. Then it was sitting down with Priscilla Presley herself, which I got the honor to do, and just taking the time and letting her walk through this section of her life. She shared little details and moments, and how she was feeling on certain nights or inside jokes they had together. To watch her go back to that time, and maybe she’d giggle a bit thinking about a memory they had together. Those were so precious to have in putting this puzzle piece together.
Jacob Elordi in director Sofia Coppola’s ‘Priscilla.’ Photo: A24.
MF: Jacob, how did you prepare to play Elvis Presley, arguably one of the most famous people in modern history, and what was it like examining his darker side?
Jacob Elordi: For me it was less about what side of him was being portrayed and more about trying to find the human being in him and make it a believable and real person. There were just months of boring study, reading, watching and listening. It would do your head in, just like it did mine in getting ready for it, if I told you about it all.
Related Article: ‘Priscilla’ Trailer
(L to R) Jacob Elordi, Cailee Spaeny and director Sofia Coppola on the set of ‘Priscilla.’ Photo: A24.
MF: Cailee, can you talk about collaborating with Sofia Coppola on set and what she was like to work with as a director?
CS: She really creates a safe space for everyone to feel like they can collaborate and share their thoughts and opinions. She knows exactly what she wants, but she also knows when to have fun, and remind everyone we’re making a film, and we should all enjoy it while we’re doing it. It was a quick 30-day shoot, but we had a lot of laughs in between and it was a real treat. She was a dream director for me to work with. She was the director I wanted to work with, and it was more than anything I could have imagined.
(L to R) Jacob Elordi and Cailee Spaeny in ‘Priscilla.’ Credit: Sabrina Lantos.
MF: Finally, Jacob, what was it like for you to work with Sofia Coppola? Was it as much fun as you had hoped it would be?
JE: More fun. She let us know immediately that you didn’t have to be dark and brooding and go through all these heavy things to make a good movie. She is the artist. She’s everything that you would want as an actor and more. I love her so much.
“Wife to the king. Icon to the world. Destined for more.”
When teenage Priscilla Beaulieu meets Elvis Presley at a party, the man who is already a meteoric rock-and-roll superstar becomes someone entirely unexpected in… Read the Plot
What is the plot of ‘Priscilla’?
The film follows Priscilla Presley (Cailee Spaeny) and her life with Elvis Presley (Jacob Elordi).
Who is in the cast of ‘Priscilla’?
(L to R) Jacob Elordi and Cailee Spaeny in ‘Priscilla.’ Credit: Philippe Le Sourd.
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