Variety is reporting that a biopic is in development about Elvis Presley’s manager Colonel Tom Parker, which is being produced by Spencer Proffer, Steve Binder and Joe Berlinger.
Based on Alanna Nash’s book The Colonel: The Extraordinary Story of Colonel Tom Parker and Elvis Presley, the film will explore the life of the Dutch immigrant, who managed The King between 1956 to his death in 1977.
“I have wanted to work with Joe for years, given his unique filmmaker’s eye toward marrying music-anchored stories with dramatic storytelling,” said Proffer. “Given that I am a big fan of his Metallica and Paul Simon films, plus Joe’s award-winning crime documentaries, he became my first choice to direct this evergreen and important film. Parker’s story has such a dark edge, and this is precisely why Berlinger’s combo of crime and music documentaries lends the perfect tone for the film.”
“I look forward to working with Spencer, Joe, and Alanna on the making of this film,” added Binder. “The Colonel’s ‘real’ story has never been told, and I promise it will have you on the edge of your seat. I was there and I knew the Colonel. Move over P.T. Barnum, the ride is about to begin!”
“Throughout my career I have tackled unexpected and surprising stories, going beyond the easy headline to get to the truth of the real story,” stated Berlinger. “And in The Colonel, I see the same exciting opportunity.”
Production on The Colonel is expected to get underway in 2018.
Originally published June 27, 2017. Updated April 15, 2018.
