Things are again looking good for Baz Luhrmann’s “Elvis” biopic. It turns out, the older demographic does still want to go to the movies.
“Elvis” earned another $5.3 million on its second Friday for a likely $22 million holiday weekend. That’ll push the Baz Luhrmann-directed film past $75 million domestic by Monday or Tuesday night.
Luhrmann’s film cost around $85 million and, if projections stick, will make around $110 million by the end of its domestic run. Overseas the film is looking at around $115-$120 million globally. That means it could crack the $200 million mark worldwide.
It’s quite the feat for a 160 minute biopic about a singer who isn’t that well-known with Gen Z-ers.
Am I saying it’s a bonafide Oscar contender? Of course not. It doesn’t have the same traction as bigger contenders like “Everything Everywhere All At Once,” or “Top Gun: Maverick,” but it seems to be very well-liked by industry folk.
Elvis’ Best Picture chances will reside in whether or not we again have a weak slate of films this year. With more than half a dozen big titles already relegated to 2023, maybe it will be another mediocre year for US cinema.
The fall slate seems to be edging towards the hot films being “Bardo,” “The Son,” “White Noise,” “Women Talking,” “Tar,” and “She Said.” However, some of these will disappoint, it’s an inevitability that occurs every year. Contenders come and go.
With Scorsese, Fincher, O. Russell, Del Toro, Mendes, Chazelle and Spielberg all likely skipping the fall fests, we’re looking again at a year when the big guns show up very late.
“Elvis” could be waiting in the wings.