Lisa Marie Presley and Baz Luhrmann in December.Photo: Jesse Grant/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty
Baz LuhrmannsaysElviswas a comfort forLisa Marie Presleybefore her death at the age of 54.
“There was beauty there, too. She lovedAustin [Butler]so much,” the director said of Lisa Marie and thebond she forgedwith Butler, 31, who portrayed her fatherElvis Presleyin the film.
“The film had lifted her up,” Luhrmann added to the outlet. “I think the words are bittersweet and sad, but the film did lift her up.”
Lisa Marie died just days after she, her motherPriscilla Presley, Luhrmann and Butler attended the 2023Golden Globe Awardstogether, where the actor won best actor in a drama for his role as Presley. Butler has also since beennominated for an Academy Awardfor the movie, which he called “bittersweet” in the wake of Lisa Marie’s death.
From L to R: Steve Binder, Harper Vivienne Ann Lockwood, Lisa Marie Presley, Baz Luhrmann, Priscilla Presley, Riley Keough, Austin Butler and Finley Aaron Love Lockwood.Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic
Luhrmann previouslyshared a tribute to Lisa Marieone day after her death on Instagram, which he posted alongside a photo of her and Butler laughing together.
“Over the last year, the entireElvismovie family and I have felt the privilege of Lisa Marie’s kind embrace,” Luhrmann wrote. “Hersudden, shocking loss has devastatedpeople all around the world. I know her fans everywhere join me in sharing prayers of love and support with her mother, Priscilla, and her wonderful daughters Riley, Finley and Harper.”
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“Lisa Marie, we will miss your warmth, your smile, your love,” he concluded.
During Butler’s appearance onThe Tonight Show Starring Jimmy FallonMonday, the actor recalled that he “never had an experience where I met somebody and felt an immediate depth of relationship with them” after he firstmet the musician.
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“She’s also — she’s a person who didn’t have anything to prove and wouldn’t open up to anybody and she opened up to me,” added Butler. “We got so close so fast and it’s just devastating.”
“It’s weird in moments like this because it’s so bittersweet,” Butler continued about the emotional contrast of having to promote the movie at the same time as mourning Lisa Marie.
“I mean, so much great stuff is happening, but I’m just devastated for her family. And for her to not be here celebrating with us, you know …” added Butler.
source: people.com
