The Reality of Elvis and Priscilla’s 'Love Story'

design: Gianna Castagliuolo

Priscilla is here to set the record straight.

by LAUREN SMETANA ★ NOVEMBER 13, 2023

Elvis Makes History

Unless you were living under a rock, you most likely were consumed by the never-ending stream of media attention for the 2022 film Elvis, featuring the breathtaking Austin Butler. I, for one, was obsessed with everything Elvis-related that summer. The film's success was more than anyone could have predicted, with Billboard stating, “Elvis has grossed more than $281 million worldwide,” making it the “third-highest-grossing music biopic in terms of domestic-box-office.” 

The film–while sparking conversations regarding the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s business, health, and music–also put all of our attention on his relationship with Priscilla. Together, Elvis and Priscilla are known for having one of the most iconic and adoring love stories to exist. I mean…the amount of Priscilla and Elvis costumes I see during Halloween every year can attest. The film depicts the beginning of their relationship in a–mostly–innocent light, while it slowly turns heartbreaking towards the end. But really… was their ‘love story’ as innocent as it seemed?

Priscilla Tells All

Move over Elvis; it is time to let Priscilla tell her story. It’s very refreshing to see a woman's side of the story in the recently released film Priscilla, directed by Sofia Coppola. Based on Priscilla’s 1985 biography, Elvis & Me, this movie will reveal a very intimate, raw, and accurate depiction of their relationship compared to the one displayed in last year’s Elvis. Seriously though, the details Priscilla herself wrote about their relationship were enough to make my skin crawl. Priscilla being 14, and Elvis 24, when he first showed interest in her should be enough to raise concern over their relationship, and leaves much excitement for how this will be portrayed through film. But I know one thing: we are about to get all the tea.

Battle of the Elvis’

Several fans are skeptical yet intrigued to see how Euphoria star Jacob Elordi will deliver his role as Elvis Presley in Priscilla. Many controversial factors have been considered for this casting, such as Elordi’s height, accent, and overall persona. It’s clear to see that Austin Butler–the original Elvis– and Jacob are very different, so how could they possibly be playing the same person? But then again, maybe that’s exactly the point. The Elvis portrayed in Priscilla (2023) and the Elvis displayed in Elvis (2022) are depicted as two very different people.