Published on: December 9, 2025, 04:30 AM.

Updated on: December 9, 2025, 04:35 AM.

• Director Baz Luhrmann has released the trailer for “EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert” documentary
• This film revives previously unseen 16mm and 8mm footage of Elvis at the International/Hilton in Las Vegas, narrated by the King himself

Baz Luhrmann has just launched the trailer for “EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert,” his latest film showcasing archival footage from Presley’s renowned Las Vegas performances. Set to premiere widely on February 20, 2026, the film combines previously lost 16mm clips from “Elvis on Tour” (1972) along with 8mm gems sourced from the Graceland archives.

The trailer begins with Elvis preparing backstage at the Las Vegas Hilton—twirling his ring and tapping his foot—before introducing words on the screen: “In 1969, Elvis made his legendary return to the Las Vegas stage. Over the last 40 years, tales of lost footage circulated … until it was found.”

Next, Presley’s voice emerges: “Much has been written and said, but never from my perspective.” Archival concert footage follows, showcasing him performing “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.”

Experience it for yourself…

After his iconic “’68 Comeback Special” on NBC, Elvis kicked off his Las Vegas residency on July 31, 1969, at the International Hotel (now known as the Westgate Las Vegas). He performed an astounding 636 sold-out shows between then and December 12, 1976.

This residency not only revitalized Elvis’s music career after a series of mediocre film roles in Hollywood but also established a blueprint for modern superstar music residencies that continue to influence Las Vegas today.

Chasing That Dream

Luhrmann’s quest for hidden footage began during the making of his 2022 biopic, “Elvis.” This search led to the discovery of 68 boxes filled with 35mm and 8mm films in Warner Bros.’ archival facility in Kansas. The collection featured unheard interviews, Presley’s 1957 gold jacket performance in Hawaii, and outtakes from “Elvis on Tour” and “That’s the Way It Is.”

Since much of the footage was without sound, Luhrmann’s team meticulously restored and synced it with existing audio. They also discovered a 45-minute tape of Presley narrating his life, much of which serves as narration in Luhrmann’s latest project.

“I wouldn’t categorize it strictly as a documentary or a concert film; our goal is to create something innovative within the Elvis legacy … to display his immense talent as a performer while providing deeper insights into his humanity and inner thoughts,” he shared with Deadline earlier this year.

Luhrmann’s 2022 biopic, featuring Austin Butler and Tom Hanks, earned over $288 million globally, secured eight Oscar nominations, and was recognized as one of AFI’s top films of the year. A theatrical adaptation is also currently in development.