“Priscilla” Interview: Cailee Spaeny and Jacob Elordi
(Left to right) Jacob Elordi and Cailee Spaeny star in Sofia Coppola’s “Priscilla.”
The new biopic “Priscilla,” directed by Oscar winner Sofia Coppola (“Lost in Translation”), opens in limited release on October 27th before opening in theaters on November 3rd.
Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Cailee Spaeny and Jacob Elordi about their work on Priscilla, bringing their story to the screen, how Spaeny prepared for the role, Elordi’s performance, showing a different side of Elvis and with Sofia Coppola to work together.
Cailee Spaeny in Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla. Photo: A24.
Moviefone: First of all, Cailee, how did you prepare for this role and what was it like bringing Priscilla Presley’s story to the screen?
Cailee Spaeny: Well, it was the first book she wrote in the 1980s and the script borrows heavily from it. Then I sat down with Priscilla Presley herself, which I had the honor of doing, and just took the time and let her go through that period of her life. She shared little details and moments and how she felt on certain nights or inside jokes they had together. Seeing her go back to that time and maybe she would giggle a little thinking about a memory they had together. These were so valuable in putting this piece of the puzzle together.
Jacob Elordi in Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla. Photo: A24.
MF: Jacob, how did you prepare to play Elvis Presley, arguably one of the most famous people in modern history, and what was it like getting to know his darker side?
Jacob Elordi: For me it was less about which side of him was portrayed and more about finding the human in him and making him a believable and real person. There were just months of boring studying, reading, watching and listening. It would be a headache for you, just like the preparations for me, if I told you everything.
Related article: “Priscilla” trailer
(Left to right) Jacob Elordi, Cailee Spaeny and director Sofia Coppola on the set of “Priscilla.” Photo: A24.
MF: Cailee, can you talk about working with Sofia Coppola on set and what it was like working with her as a director?
CS: It truly creates a safe space where everyone feels like they can collaborate and share their thoughts and opinions. She knows exactly what she wants, but she also knows when to have fun and reminds everyone that we’re making a movie and we should all enjoy it while we’re at it. It was a quick 30 day shoot, but we laughed a lot in between and it was a real treat. For me, she was a dream director to work with. She was the director I wanted to work with and it was more than anything I could have imagined.
(Left to right) Jacob Elordi and Cailee Spaeny in “Priscilla.” Photo credit: Sabrina Lantos.
MF: Finally, Jacob, what was it like working with Sofia Coppola? Was it as fun as you hoped?
JE: More fun. She let us know straight away that you don’t have to be dark and brooding and go through all these hard things to make a good film. She is the artist. She is everything you would want as an actress and more. I love her so much.
“Wife of the King. Icon of the world. Destined for more.”
Show times and tickets
When teenager Priscilla Beaulieu meets Elvis Presley at a party, the man already a meteoric rock ‘n’ roll superstar becomes someone completely unexpected in… Read the plot
What is the plot of “Priscilla”?
The film follows Priscilla Presley (Cailee Spaeny) and her life with Elvis Presley (Jacob Elordi).
Who is in the cast of “Priscilla”?
(Left to right) Jacob Elordi and Cailee Spaeny in “Priscilla.” Photo credit: Philippe Le Sourd.