It’s such a pity that the word ‘influencer’ has been so badly misappropriated these days by a bunch of usually untalented social media addicts who are just on the make. The word used to be reserved by creative talents whose work and art really did change the social and political landscape for us all.
Two such supreme examples are both to be captured in highly-anticipated biopics that are already looking like they will deservedly be amongst this summer’s major smash hits. The first being ELVIS an upcoming film about the legendary Elvis Presley by Baz Lurhmann (Strictly Ballroom, Moulin Rouge). Rumour has it that many big-name actors vied for the lead role, but Lurhmann plumped for the relatively unknown Austin Butler (Once Upon A Time in Hollywood) …. and judging by the trailer below, he made a great call.
Elvis also stars Kodi Smit-McPhee the young Australian actor who has been nominated for countless awards (including an Oscar) for his performance in The Power Of The Dog . He plays country legend Jimmie Rodgers, and is joined by Tom Hanks as Colonel Tom Parker, Presley’s infamous manager. and Olivia DeJonge who stars as Elvis’ wife Priscilla.
“Elvis” is set to be released in theaters on Friday, June 24.
Meanwhile, SHOWTIME is making a drama series about three Americans who were unquestionably the most influential women of their generation in their roles as The First Lady. Directed and executively produced by Acadamy Award winner Susanne Bier (In A Better World) captures the legacy of three former FLOTUSes: Eleanor Roosevelt (Gillian Anderson), Betty Ford (Michelle Pfeiffer), and Michelle Obama (Viola Davis).
Per the official synopsis, “The First Lady” is a “reframing of American leadership, told through the lens of the women at the heart of the White House. In the government’s East Wing, many of history’s most impactful and world-changing decisions have been hidden from view, made by America’s charismatic, complex and dynamic First Ladies. The series will peel back the curtain on the personal and political lives of three unique, enigmatic women and their families, tracing their journeys to Washington, dipping into their pasts and following them beyond the White House into their greatest moments. Through interweaving storylines so intimate it’s as if the White House walls are talking, season one focuses on the enlightening lives of Michelle Obama, Betty Ford and Eleanor Roosevelt.”
The series also stars Aaron Eckhart as President Gerald Ford, Dakota Fanning plays Susan Elizabeth Ford, O-T Fagbenle plays President Barack Obama, Regina Taylor plays Michelle Obama’s mother, Marian Shields Robinson, and Jayme Lawson is young Michelle Obama. Additional guest stars include Judy Greer as Nancy Howe, Ellen Burstyn as Sara Delano Roosevelt, Jackie Earle Haley as Louis McHenry Howe, Maria Dizzia as Lucy Mercer Rutherfurd, and Kate Mulgrew as Susan Sher.
“The First Lady” premieres Sunday, April 17 at 9 p.m. on Showtime.
