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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 ‘n’ Roll said she 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 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 likenesses, notably signed off on Baz Luhrmann’s request to use Elvis’ music in the 2022 biopic starring Austin Butler.
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.
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.”
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.”
Coppola, who is the daughter of Francis Ford Coppola, said that she thought Priscillla’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.”
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 Oct. 27.
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