Baz Luhrmann presents “EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert”, a film that combines previously unseen footage from Elvis' Las Vegas concerts and transports us back to the magic of the “King of Rock 'n' Roll”
Baz Luhrmann returns to his world Elvis Presley with a film that promises to move both die-hard fans of the “King of Rock 'n' Roll” and new viewers who got to know him through the award-winning 2022 biopic. His new project, titled “EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert”, is expected to be released in theaters in 2026 and has already caused excitement in music and film circles.
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The film had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September and later screened in Zurich to rave reviews. It is a cinematic experience that combines previously unseen archival footage from Elvis Presley's legendary Las Vegas concerts in the 60s and 70s, along with rare footage from the documentaries. Elvis: That's the Way It Is and Elvis on TourThis material was found completely by accident: 68 boxes of film came to light during research for the film Elvis of 2022, and were the impetus for the creation of this new film.
Luhrmann, known for the theatricality and grandeur of his films such as Moulin Rouge! and Romeo + Juliet, describes “EPiC” not as a simple documentary or concert film, but as a cinematic “journey” into Presley’s soul. “From the first day we saw this footage, eight years ago, our goal was one: to fulfill Elvis’ dream of taking his music around the world,” he said.
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Luhrmann's phrase "it's not just a documentary, it's EPiC" perfectly captures his philosophy. The film promises to be much more than a simple concert retrospective: it is an experience that revives Presley's brilliance, stage presence and emotional power through the eyes of a director who knows how to capture greatness. The film will be distributed by Neon and Universal, with the goal of being shown in theaters worldwide — from small community theaters to the world's largest movie theaters.
In “EPiC,” viewers will witness Elvis in his prime: 70s Las Vegas, full of lights, velvet, gold and electricity. Luhrmann promises a combination of image and sound that will “transport” the audience to the epicenter of Presley’s live performances. With his well-known cinematic aesthetic — bright colors, imposing editing and a concert-like pace — the director wants to relive the magic of the “King,” not just recreate it.
The inspiration for the film came immediately after the success of Elvis in 2022, in which Austin Butler portrayed Presley with impressive accuracy. That film was a huge commercial success, garnered rave reviews for its visual power and Butler’s stirring performance, and was nominated for eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor. For Luhrmann, “EPiC” acts as a natural sequel — a second act in his cinematic exploration of the Elvis Presley legend.
The director describes the new film as “a virtual tour” that fulfills Elvis’s unfulfilled dream of performing live for audiences outside of America. “With this film, Elvis will finally travel around the world — not just through memories, but through a real, cinematic experience,” Luhrmann said, emphasizing that the film “belongs as much to the audience as it does to Elvis himself.”
What makes “EPiC” so interesting is the way it highlights the man behind the legend. Beyond the familiar images of the charismatic performer, the film includes authentic, simple, almost private moments — rehearsals, backstage footage, and previously unreleased footage that reveals Presley at his most human, vulnerable.
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The use of original archival footage combined with Luhrmann’s directorial approach creates a film that is neither documentary nor fiction; it is a hybrid experience that bridges the past with the present. The images will be accompanied by remastered audio, aiming to “recreate” the feeling of seeing Elvis live on stage.
The production of “EPiC” comes at a time when interest in Presley has been rekindled thanks to his success. Elvis but also in his continued popularity among younger generations. At the same time, the recent story of a woman convicted of attempting to steal Graceland — the singer's historic home — is a reminder that the name "Elvis Presley" continues to be a point of reference and object of worship for millions of people around the world.
The film “EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert” is expected to be a tribute to an artist who changed music and culture forever. Baz Luhrmann doesn’t just want to show Elvis; he wants to make us “live” him again. And as he himself said, “it’s time to hit the road again — with the King.”
