Eric Bana & Danny Huston To Play Elvis & Nixon

You’d never think that legendary singer Elvis Presley and disgraced US President Richard Nixon would have had anything to do with one another. But apparently, the two men did indeed meet. In December 1970, Presley wrote then President Nixon a six-page letter requesting a visit to the White House, and a suggestion that he be made a “Federal Agent-at-large” in the Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Bureau. Presley was apparently deadly serious about this. Nixon surprisingly agreed to the meet-up, though (understandably) not to the latter request. Elvis brought along a bunch of family photos and a Colt 45 pistol as a personal gift to the President. History says that it was quite a spirited encounter. Sounds like a great story, which is why K5 International has bought the international rights to it.

Benaroya Pictures is producing the project, titled simply enough, “Elvis & Nixon”. What’s cool is that it’s being billed as a comedy. Good move. The leading roles have already been filled, as K5 today announced that Eric Bana (“Hulk”) will play Elvis Presley and Danny Huston (“X-Men Origins: Wolverine”) will be Richard Nixon. Physically, Huston has quite a resemblance and with some make-up he could be a dead ringer for Tricky Dick. Bana on the other hand, doesn’t look anything like the King of Rock & Roll, so it’ll be up to his acting prowess to convince audiences. They’re both solid choices acting-wise, so that shouldn’t be a problem.

Actor Cary Elwes (“Robin Hood: Men In Tights”) is making his directorial debut here, so this already an interesting project on so many fronts. Elwes also co-wrote the screenplay with Joey Sagal and Hanala Sagal, while Bana is executive producing via his company Pick Up Truck Productions. Principal photography is set to begin shortly in Shreveport and Los Angeles.