Lana Del Rey attends 2018 LACMA Art + Film Gala honoring Catherine Opie and Guillermo del Toro presented by Gucci at LACMA on Nov. 3, 2018 in Los Angeles.
Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for LACMA
In her song “Body Electric,” sadcore songstress Lana Del Rey muses “Elvis is my daddy” — but could she play his wife?
After news broke Monday that Austin Butler was officially cast as Elvis Presley in Baz Luhrmann’s upcoming biopic, rumors have been swirling that the dream-pop princess is vying for the role of his wife, Priscilla.
Though Del Rey’s acting experience is limited, her love for Elvis and resemblance to Presley are undeniable. Below, find six reasons that the portrayal might just be written in the stars.
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The two could be twins (or at least sisters)
There’s no question that Del Rey and Presley share a similar look. Known for her retro style, Del Rey often sports the big hair and overexaggerated eyeliner that was popular in the ’60s. But, beyond that, the two have an eerily comparable facial structure. Just look at this 1959 throwback post from Presley side-by-side with Del Rey’s promo for her new single “hope is a dangerous thing for a woman like me to have – but i have it.”
Also, this shot of Del Rey in a white dress and veil from 2014 is just begging to be compared with photos of Presley on her and Elvis’ wedding day.
Del Rey has made plenty of music for movies – it’s time for her to be in one
With Del Rey’s music often being referred to as “cinematic,” she is no stranger to writing songs meant for film, giving her easier access to the industry. In fact, Del Rey has a direct connection with director Luhrmann, since she wrote “Young and Beautiful” for his 2013 remake of The Great Gatsby. Del Rey fans seem to have related the track to Elvis and Priscilla’s relationship, as there are several videos featuring footage of the couple set to the song.
In addition, Del Rey has recently announced a collaboration track with Miley Cyrus and Ariana Grande for the new Charlie’s Angels film, while Priscilla was reportedly offered a starring role in the original TV version back in 1976 but turned it down.
She has a song about Elvis
Del Rey recorded a song back in 2008 that she lent to last year’s Elvis documentary The King, simply titled “Elvis.” Citing him as one of her musical influences, it is clear that Del Rey worships the late singer as she croons, “Elvis, where are you when I need you most?” Judging from the lyrics alone, it’s like the song could have been written by Priscilla.
She starred in her own short film (and Elvis was there too)
Back in 2013, Del Rey wrote and starred in her own short film, Tropico, so she does have some experience as an actress. Also featured in the flick is an Elvis impersonator, showing once again how meaningful he is to Del Rey.
She takes inspiration from The King
On a more basic level, Del Rey has also made several references to Elvis and his work in the lyrics of her own music. Besides the famous line calling Elvis her “daddy” in “Body Electric,” the songstress also alludes to The King in “Million Dollar Man,” singing “One for the money, and two for the show” in homage to Elvis’ famous “Blue Suede Shoes” intro.
Her fans want it to happen
Obviously, Del Rey’s fans have flipped over the rumor, taking to social media to defend her claim to the role. As @INDIEWASHERE’s viral tweet says, in all caps…
LANA DEL REY DID SPEND HER ENTIRE CAREER SERVING VINTAGE 1960S REALNESS AND RIDING 1960S CHEVYS WHILE DOING COCAINE FOR HER TO BE DENIED THIS ROLE!! SHE DESERVES IT!! THINK OF THE SOUNDTRACK WE WOULD GET I- https://t.co/m1IURtSqdR
— indie (@INDIEWASHERE) July 17, 2019
They make a good point. If Del Rey were to play a part in the soundtrack for the film as well — perhaps with a cover of “Can’t Help Falling in Love?” — it would certainly be magical.