Eric Bana, Star Trek XI’s Romulan Nero, will take on the role of Elvis Presley in Elvis & Nixon.
Elvis & Nixon is the story of a visit by Presley to the White House in 1970, where he met President Richard M. Nixon.
Danny Huston (X-Men Origins: Wolverine, John Adams) is in final negotiations for the role of Nixon. Bana will executive produce through his Pick Up Truck Pictures (Love the Beast) company, as well as take on the role of Elvis.
The 1970 meeting between Elvis and President Nixon was the result of a letter from Elvis to the President, requesting a visit. Elvis wanted to be named a “Federal Agent-at-Large” in the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs. “I am Elvis Presley,” wrote Presley, and admire you and have great respect for your office.”
Presley went on to offer his services to his country, saying that “the drug culture, the hippie elements, the SDS, Black Panthers, etc. do not consider me as their enemy or as they call it the establishment.”
In a post-script to his letter, Presley told Nixon that “I believe that you, Sir, were one of the Top Ten Outstanding Men of America Also.”
Presley, who wanted to be an agent in the Bureau of Narcotics of Dangerous Drugs, was addicted to prescription drugs.
No date has yet been set for the start of production on Elvis & Nixon, which will be shot in Shreveport, Louisiana and L.A.
Source: The Hollywood Reportervia George Washington University: The National Security Archive
