Get to Know the Stellar Cast of Sofia Coppola's Biographical Film 'Priscilla': A Comprehensive Character Guide

No one captures the essence of female solitude quite like Sofia Coppola. From her debut film, The Virgin Suicides, which delves into the tragic story of a group of teenage sisters who tragically end their lives, to Marie Antoinette and Somewhere, Coppola has undeniably solidified her place in film history. Now, she is once again gracing the big screen, earning rave reviews for her latest work. Drawing inspiration from Priscilla Presley's memoir, Elvis & Me, Coppola presents Priscilla, a poignant exploration of the rock 'n' roll icon's life alongside the enigmatic musician. This film follows the heels of Baz Luhrmann's epic Elvis, which reignited unwavering admiration for the star. However, Coppola's take aims to shatter the façade, uncovering the true tale of a young girl's whirlwind romance and coming-of-age within the walls of Graceland. If you're curious to discover the talented actors chosen by Coppola to portray these real-life legends, you've come to the right place.

Priscilla

Teenager Priscilla Beaulieu's chance encounter with rock 'n' roll superstar Elvis Presley at a party unveils a side of him that is utterly surprising: a captivating infatuation, a supportive confidant during moments of solitude, and a tender companion.

Release Date: November 3, 2023

Director: Sofia Coppola

Rating: R

Runtime: 113 minutes

Genres: Drama, Biography, Music

Writers: Sofia Coppola

Cailee Spaeny as Priscilla Presley

Image Via A24

Jacob Elordi as Elvis Presley

Cailee Spaeny has taken on the role of Priscilla Presley in the film. The story focuses on Priscilla's life, starting from her teenage years when she meets and falls in love with Elvis at the young age of 14. From there, she enters a fairy tale life as the first lady of Graceland. The film then delves into the ups and downs of their marriage, including her pregnancy and the events that led to their eventual divorce. Spaeny's performance in the role has received critical acclaim, culminating in her winning the Best Actress prize at the Venice International Film Festival. Spaeny's breakthrough moment came in 2018, where she starred in four films, which included "Pacific Rim Uprising," "Bad Times at the El Royale," "On the Basis of Sex," and "Vice." However, her breakout performance came in 2021 when she portrayed Erin McMenamin, a teenage single mother whose mysterious death triggers a police investigation, in the hit series "Mare of Eastown." She acted alongside renowned actors such as Kate Winslet and Evan Peters in the series. Spaeny's future projects include the much-anticipated Alien movie by Fede Alvarez and Alex Garland's Civil War.

Jacob Elordi portrays the enigmatic king of rock 'n' roll, Elvis Presley. While this narrative primarily focuses on Priscilla's story, Elvis still plays a significant role. At the time of his encounter with Priscilla, Elvis was already a renowned international star. The two crossed paths when he was stationed in Germany for military service at the age of 24, while she was merely 14. They exchanged vows eight years later in 1967, but tragically, Elvis passed away at the age of 42, a decade after their marriage.

Dagmara Dominczyk as Ann Beaulieu

The actor portraying The King, Jacob Elordi, rose to fame through his role in Netflix's popular teenage romantic comedy trilogy, The Kissing Booth. However, he gained even more recognition for his exceptional performance in Euphoria, where he brilliantly portrayed Nate, a high school athlete grappling with both abusive tendencies and deep-seated sexual insecurities. In Euphoria, Elordi shared the screen with talented actors such as Zendaya, Sydney Sweeney, and Hunter Schafer. Additionally, this year, Elordi captivates audiences in Saltburn, a beloved film during awards season, where he takes on the role of Felix Catton, a captivating and aristocratic Oxford student. Furthermore, Elordi is also set to collaborate with esteemed director Paul Schrader and actor Richard Gere in the upcoming project Oh, Canada.

Image via HBO

Playing the role of Ann Beaulieu, Priscilla's mother, is Dagmara Dominczyk. Similar to her daughter, she was married to an older man when she was just a teenager and became a widow at a very tender age. Following a tragic plane crash, Ann found herself alone, taking care of her daughter Priscilla until she crossed paths with US Air Force Officer Paul Beaulieu, who ultimately adopted her little girl. Initially, both Paul and Ann were not supportive of Priscilla's relationship with Elvis and made efforts to put an end to it. Apart from her remarkable performance in the Academy Award-nominated drama The Lost Daughter, Dominczyk is also recognized for her notable portrayal of Karolina in Succession.

Tim Post as Vernon Presley

Image via 20th Century Studios

Tim Post portrays Vernon Presley, who was the father of Elvis. During Elvis' childhood, Vernon had a turbulent presence in his life. He faced difficulties in maintaining a job, which compelled the family to depend on assistance from neighbors and government programs for their survival. In 1938, they lost their home when Vernon was imprisoned for altering a check. By the time he crossed paths with Priscilla, Vernon had already remarried his second wife and was dependent on Elvis' wealth at Graceland. Initially, he approved of Priscilla, stating, "[She] had been raised to be disciplined and strong-minded, but she is also a tender and affectionate young woman." Post is recognized for his roles in X-Men: Days of Future Past and Enemy. More recently, he made an appearance on the television series Mayor of Kingstown, portraying Ernest Van Ackle.

Ari Cohen as Paul Beaulieu

Image via ABC

Paul Beaulieu, played by Ari Cohen, is Priscilla's adoptive father. Despite Priscilla's biological father being a US Navy pilot who tragically passed away during the war, Beaulieu embraced her as his own when he married her mother, Ann. As a career Air Force officer, Beaulieu's job required the family to frequently relocate from one base to another every couple of years. Initially hesitant about his daughter dating Elvis, Beaulieu's reservations dissipated when Elvis visited their home in full military attire to meet her parents. Cohen's notable roles include Rabbi Uris in the It series, Billy Winton in Designated Survivor, and a part in Aaron Sorkin's film Molly's Game.

Stephanie Moore as Dee Presley

Raine Monroe Boland and Emily Mitchell as Lisa Marie Presley

Stephanie Moore portrays the character of Dee Presley, the second wife of Vernon Presley. When Dee and Vernon crossed paths in 1960, Elvis had already risen to fame as an internationally renowned singer. Despite being a momma’s boy deep down, Elvis never truly embraced his new stepmother, and some even believed that his apparent indifference towards her bordered on outright animosity. Priscilla asserts in her book, Elvis and Me, that he "simply couldn't tolerate her." Moore is most recognized for her contributions to popular television shows such as Degrassi: Next Class and G-Spot, as well as her appearance in the 2004 film Cube Zero.

Image via Lionsgate

Portraying the young Lisa Marie Presley, Raine Monroe Boland and Emily Mitchell truly captivate the audience. Boland, making her debut as an actor, perfectly embodies the essence of Elvis and Priscilla's daughter at the age of three. On the other hand, Mitchell, who previously showcased her talent in the Academy Award-winning film Women Talking, shines in her role and is also expected to have an important part in the upcoming movie Ordinary Angels. Lisa Marie, born exactly nine months after her parents' wedding, unfortunately saw their marriage come to an end when she reached the tender age of five. Subsequently, she primarily resided in Los Angeles under her mother's care.

Rodrigo Fernandez-Stoll as Alan “Hog Ears”

Image via CBS

Other Supporting Cast Members

Rodrigo Fernandez-Stoll, known by his nickname "Hog Ears," is a valued companion of Elvis and part of the esteemed "Memphis Mafia" entourage. Their initial encounter was at a lavish gathering held at Graceland during the late 1950s, just before Elvis's conscription into the army. Alan faithfully served Elvis until the notable 1968 Special. Apart from his portrayal as Enrique on the immensely popular Canadian sitcom, Kim's Convenience, Fernandez-Stoll also achieved recognition for his performance in the highly-discussed Canadian film of this year, Blackberry. Furthermore, he has gained prominence for his recurring character portrayal as the slightly unhinged superfan, Todd Pearlman, on CBS's Ghosts.

Dan Beirne portrays Joe Esposito, another member of Elvis' "Memphis Mafia," whom he befriended while stationed in Germany. Following his discharge, Beirne became Elvis' road manager and served as his co-best man, eventually writing multiple books about their time together. Notably, Beirne has gained recognition for his television performances in Ginny & Georgia, Fargo, and Mrs. America, and he is set to star in the upcoming workplace sitcom, One More Time. Meanwhile, Luke Humphrey takes on the role of Terry West, a key figure in facilitating the romance between Priscilla and Elvis during their time in Germany. As an army officer, West approached Priscilla first and successfully convinced her to meet the King. He even managed to win over Priscilla's parents, persuading them to allow her to attend multiple parties with Elvis. Humphrey is widely recognized for his portrayal of John Bobbit in the TV movie I Was Lorena Bobbitt, and he has also appeared in television series such as Tiny Pretty Things, See, and Chateau Laurier.

Dan Abramovici portrays Jerry Schilling, Elvis' talent manager and a member of the "Memphis Mafia." They initially crossed paths at a touch football game in 1954 and quickly bonded. Schilling, a prominent figure in the music industry, also fostered successful business connections with Jerry Lee Lewis and The Beach Boys. Even after Elvis' passing, Schilling maintained a close relationship with Priscilla and the rest of the Presley family. Abramovici has recently taken on notable roles in TV shows such as Jane, Clarice, and I Woke Up With A Vampire. R Austin Ball embodies the character of Larry Geller, Elvis Presley's spiritual advisor and personal hairstylist. Geller, originally hired in 1964, significantly influenced Presley's iconic appearance. Although Elvis trusted him as one of his closest advisors, suspicion arose within the Memphis Mafia regarding Larry's sway when Priscilla entered the picture. Ball is best recognized for his performances in The End of Sex and Good Wife's Guide to Murder.

Evan Annisette represents Mike Stone, one of Priscilla's lovers whom Elvis attempted to have assassinated. Stone encountered Elvis and Priscilla in 1968 at the Mainland vs. Hawaii Karate Championships, after which Elvis suggested that Priscilla train with him, leading to a romantic involvement that ultimately contributed to the Presleys' divorce. Their relationship grew strained when Elvis endeavored to hire a hitman, and Stone sold an article to the Globe tabloid titled "How I Stole Elvis Presley's Wife From Him." Annisette has taken on prominent roles in various TV shows, including Locke & Key and Accused.

Priscilla is currently being shown in select theaters starting from October 27, 2023, and will have a nationwide release in the US on November 3, 2023. To find showtimes and purchase tickets for Priscilla at a nearby theater, please follow the link below.

Get Tickets on Fandango.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I am excited about the upcoming Sofia Coppola film "Priscilla." The film tells the story of Priscilla Presley's life, from her teenage years when she met Elvis Presley to her time as the first lady of Graceland. I am a big fan of Coppola's work, and I think she is one of the most talented directors working today. Her films are always visually stunning and emotionally powerful, and I am sure that "Priscilla" will be no exception.

I am also excited to see Cailee Spaeny and Jacob Elordi in the lead roles. Spaeny is a rising star, and she gave a breakout performance in the HBO series "Mare of Eastown." Elordi is best known for his role in the Netflix series "The Kissing Booth," but he has also shown his dramatic chops in films like "Euphoria" and "Saltburn." I think both actors will bring a lot to their roles in "Priscilla," and I can't wait to see their chemistry on screen.