What can we expect from Baz Luhrmann’s documentary on Elvis?

Published on 23 February 2026. Updated on 1 April 2026.

Elvis, Baz Luhrmann’s acclaimed biopic starring Austin Butler

Four years ago, Marilyn Monroe was honored through one of her legendary dresses, revived by Kim Kardashian, at the iconic 2022 Met Gala. But she was not the only American legend present on the red carpet that evening.

Austin Butler, who portrayed rock star Elvis Presley in the biopic directed by the flamboyant Australian filmmaker Baz Luhrmann, walked the carpet in a Prada black total look. He was joined by the rest of the film’s team, also dressed by the Italian house, as well as by Priscilla Presley, the King’s former wife herself.

These striking appearances only heightened the excitement surrounding the feature film, simply titled Elvis, which was released two months later. Directed by the man behind the spectacular Moulin Rouge! (2001) and The Great Gatsby (2013), the film traces back the life and work of Elvis Presley. It dives into the complex relationship between the rock star with sultry hip sways and his manager, Colonel Tom Parker (played by Tom Hanks).

The latter pushed the singer toward problematic career choices, including a string of bad romantic movies. The feature also explores the sociocultural issues that shaped the King’s life, especially the racial tensions that shook America in the 1950s and 1960s.

First a biopic, now documentary about the King

This epic, extravagant, moving and dazzling feature captivated both critics and audiences. It earned numerous nominations at prestigious awards ceremonies, from the Oscars to the Golden Globes. Austin Butler even won the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama. The musical legend continues to inspire the filmmaker, who is currently working on a biopic about Joan of Arc.

Indeed, Baz Luhrmann is never tired of the King. On February 25th, 2026, a documentary built around a wealth of archival footage of Elvis Presley will come out in theaters. These materials were combed through by Luhrmann and his team while preparing the biopic released in 2022. Then the idea emerged to unveil these unseen images, never before shown to the public.

Rare footage of the singer on stage

Although this marks the first time the director has taken on the making of a large-scale documentary, he was supported by Authentic Brands Group. The company owns the archives and is producing the film as well. The result is an ambitious project, blending Baz Luhrmann’s lush visual style with Elvis Presley’s rock aura.

Titled EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert, the new documentary unveils restored footage from the singer’s Las Vegas residency in the 1970s. It also features 16mm images of Elvis Presley on tour, as well as 8mm footage drawn from the archives of Graceland and the star’s former home at 3764 Elvis Presley Boulevard in Memphis, Tennessee. Finally, fans will be treated to recordings of the artist telling his story in a deeply moving way.

EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert, directed by Baz Luhrmann, coming out in theaters on February 25th, 2026.