Baz Luhrmann in talks for Elvis Presley biopic

The Australian director is reportedly negotiating a deal with Warner Bros

Baz Luhrmann is in talks to direct an Elvis Presley movie (Getty Images)

Baz Luhrmann is in negotiations to helm an as-yet-untitled Elvis Presley biopic, it has been reported.

The Australian director, known for The Great Gatsby, Romeo and Juliet and Moulin Rouge, is talking to Warner Bros and Fifty Shades of Grey screenwriter Kelly Marcel, according to The Wrap.

Marcel’s original script about the much-loved “King of Rock and Roll” will not be based on any prior material but it remains to be seen which parts of the “Hound Dog” singer’s life will be drawn upon.

Andrew Mittman and Gail Berman are set to produce, with Courtenay Valenti overseeing the project. Warner Bros is believed to have secured the music rights.

Elvis Presley at his prime before his untimely death in 1977 (Rex Features)

Luhrmann’s participation still needs to be confirmed but, if he is, it is likely that his Oscar-winning wife Catherine Martin will join as costume designer.

Oscar-nominated Luhrmann is attached to several projects at present, including the Kung Fu reboot and a Napoleon miniseries, so it is unclear which film he will board next.

Although an Elvis movie seems suited to Luhrmann’s glitzy style, music biopics tend to be complicated as the estate’s approval is often needed, so it might be a while until we hear more.

Leonardo DiCaprio for Elvis? He is a Luhrmann favourite after all.