Get ready to experience Elvis Presley like never before! Baz Luhrmann's new concert film, "EPiC," featuring unseen footage and the King's own voice, is hitting theaters worldwide in 2026, thanks to a huge acquisition deal.
TL;DR: The Essentials You Need to Know About 'EPiC'- Baz Luhrmann's "EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert" has been snapped up by Neon for U.S. distribution and Universal Pictures International for global release.
- This unique cinematic event blends documentary and concert film, showcasing never-before-seen footage from Elvis's iconic 1970s Vegas residency and "Elvis on Tour."
- Mark your calendars for 2026, as the film promises an immersive, electrifying experience, letting Elvis finally tell "his side of the story" on the big screen.
Alright, Elvis fans, clear your schedules and get those blue suede shoes ready because some seriously exciting news just dropped! Baz Luhrmann, the visionary director behind the Oscar-nominated 2022 biopic Elvis, is bringing the King of Rock 'n' Roll back to the big screen in a whole new way. His latest project, EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert, has just been acquired by Neon and Universal Pictures Content Group, setting the stage for a massive global theatrical release in 2026. And trust us, this isn't just another concert film; it's being described as an "electrifying cinematic odyssey" that promises to deliver Elvis's story and performances like you've never witnessed before.
Unearthing the King's Hidden Treasure: A Deep Dive into Unseen Footage

Imagine stumbling upon a treasure trove of lost recordings and visuals from one of the most iconic performers in history. That's pretty much what happened to Baz Luhrmann and his editor, Jonathan Redmond. Their journey began nearly eight years ago when they first encountered a wealth of rare, never-before-seen footage of Elvis. This wasn't just any old footage; we're talking about long-lost gems from Presley’s legendary seven-year residency at the International Hotel in Las Vegas during the 1970s. Think about it: the King in his prime, performing for captivated audiences in Vegas, with every moment captured on film, now restored and ready for its moment in the spotlight!
But wait, there's more to this cinematic goldmine. EPiC also features rare 16mm footage from the classic film Elvis on Tour, along with precious 8mm material directly from the Graceland archive. These weren't just random clips; they were meticulously unearthed from 68 boxes of film negatives, amounting to an incredible 59 hours of raw footage, buried deep within Warner Bros’ salt mines. It sounds like something out of an adventure movie, right? One report even notes that the team, including filmmaker Peter Jackson, worked diligently to restore this forgotten footage, giving audiences a true sense of what it was like to be at an Elvis concert.
Beyond the stunning visuals, EPiC promises something truly intimate: recordings of Elvis telling "his side of the story." These forgotten audio recordings were rediscovered during Luhrmann's extensive research for his 2022 film, offering a personal, unfiltered narrative directly from the King himself. This is a chance to hear Elvis in his own words, providing insights that go beyond the public persona and reveal the soulfulness, humorous improvisations, and raw power of his performances. Luhrmann's goal, it seems, is to present Elvis in his most authentic light, moving past the "Fat Elvis" caricature that sometimes overshadowed his later years, and instead highlighting his incredible talent and magnetism.
More Than Just a Concert or Documentary: Welcome to the 'EPiC' Experience

From the moment Baz Luhrmann and Jonathan Redmond first laid eyes on this incredible material, they had a clear mission: "that Elvis should finally fulfil his unrealised dream to tour around the world." This sentiment is at the heart of EPiC. As Luhrmann himself passionately stated, "Along with our incredible partners at Authentic Studios and Sony Music Vision, we created an experience that is not just a documentary and not just a concert film; it’s EPiC." He couldn't be more thrilled that Neon and Universal are on board to ensure this film "will be seen from local cinemas in small towns, to the biggest screens in the biggest cities in the world." He even added, "I personally can’t wait to TCB (Elvis’s motto: ‘taking care of business’) and take this show on the road."
Baz Luhrmann on the Vision Behind EPiC:
"From the first day my editor, Jonathan Redmond, and I encountered this rare and never-before-seen footage of Elvis almost 8 years ago, it has been our mission that Elvis should finally fulfil his unrealised dream to tour around the world. Along with our incredible partners at Authentic Studios and Sony Music Vision, we created an experience that is not just a documentary and not just a concert film; it’s ‘EPiC.’ Now, I could not be more thrilled that our passion is matched by Neon and Universal, who will ensure this film will be seen from local cinemas in small towns, to the biggest screens in the biggest cities in the world. I personally can’t wait to TCB (Elvis’s motto: ‘taking care of business’) and take this show on the road.”
— Baz Luhrmann, Director
Tom Mackay, President of Sony Music Vision, echoed this excitement, stating, "With ‘EPiC,’ Baz has crafted an extraordinary, immersive film about a legendary artist that deserves to be seen on the big screen." Colin Smeeton, President of Authentic Studios, highlighted how Luhrmann "set out to reimagine how audiences would experience Elvis — an ambition he has fully delivered on." This isn't just about showing old clips; it's about transforming archival material into an "electrifying cinematic odyssey" that captures Elvis at his raw, intimate, and electric best. Get ready for full-mouthed makeouts with pretty fans, funny improvised banter, and rock-solid pipes – a genuine sense of what attending an Elvis concert was really like!
Global Release and Powerhouse Partners: Bringing Elvis to Every Screen

The acquisition by Neon and Universal Pictures Content Group is a big deal, ensuring that EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert will reach audiences far and wide. Neon, known for its bold and critically acclaimed independent films, will handle the theatrical release in the United States. Meanwhile, Universal Pictures International will take on the crucial role of distributing the film internationally. This dual partnership means that Elvis's "unrealized dream to tour around the world" is finally coming true, giving fans across the globe the chance to witness this unique cinematic event.
The film made its highly anticipated debut in the official selection of the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival, where it was met with "exuberant world premiere" reviews. This early buzz sets a high bar for its wider release. Both Neon and Universal Pictures Content Group have a strong track record of successful collaborations on non-fiction projects. They previously teamed up to bring us Brett Morgen’s kaleidoscopic David Bowie documentary Moonage Daydream and Todd Douglas Miller’s stunning archival film Apollo 11. Their expertise in delivering unforgettable cinematic experiences, especially with films made entirely of archival footage, makes them the perfect partners to bring Baz Luhrmann's vision for Elvis to life.
The Legacy Continues with Baz Luhrmann: A New Chapter for the King

This isn't Baz Luhrmann's first rodeo with the King, and that's fantastic news for us! EPiC marks his second major project centered on Elvis Presley, following his wildly successful 2022 narrative feature, Elvis. That film, starring the phenomenal Austin Butler as the King, was a global phenomenon, grossing an impressive $300 million worldwide and earning eight Academy Award nominations, including a Best Actor nod for Butler, along with multiple BAFTA and Golden Globe wins. Luhrmann's ability to inject fresh energy and a unique stylistic flair into the story of Elvis is undeniable, and his previous film undoubtedly revitalized interest in the legend for a new generation.
Now, with EPiC, Luhrmann is taking a different, yet equally compelling, approach. Instead of a biopic, he's offering an immersive experience that puts audiences right in the middle of Elvis's most electrifying performances and deepest confessions. It's a testament to Luhrmann’s enduring passion for Elvis and his commitment to presenting the King’s story in innovative, engaging ways. This new film isn't a sequel to the 2022 movie, but rather a profound complement, deepening our understanding and appreciation of Elvis's artistry and personal journey, all brought to life through previously unseen material and his own voice.
So, get ready to dive deep into the world of Elvis Presley once more. Baz Luhrmann, Neon, and Universal Pictures are preparing to deliver a truly unforgettable cinematic event in 2026. If you're an Elvis fan, a music history buff, or just love a good, immersive film experience, EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert sounds like it's going to be absolutely essential viewing. It’s time to take care of business and prepare for the King’s grand return to the global stage!
Frequently Asked Questions About Baz Luhrmann's 'EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert'

- Jazz Tangcay (Variety): Baz Luhrmann’s ‘EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert’ Acquired by Neon and Universal Pictures Content Group
- Pamela McClintock (The Hollywood Reporter): Neon, Universal Team For Baz Luhrmann’s ‘EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert’
- Jeremy Kay (ScreenDaily): Neon, Universal Pictures Content Group acquire Baz Luhrmann’s ‘Epic: Elvis Presley In Concert’
- Daily Express: Baz Luhrmann’s second Elvis movie gets UK release date
- TheWrap: Baz Luhrmann’s ‘EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert’ Acquired by Neon and Universal Pictures Content Group