Cailee Spaeny’s Journey to Priscilla Presley Role

Cailee Spaeny, known for her role in Alien: Romulus, revealed her first collaboration with Sofia Coppola was on a scrapped version of The Little Mermaid. Despite the initial setback, Spaeny did not give up, and in 2023 she landed the coveted role of Priscilla Presley in a film co-starring Jacob Elordi as Elvis Presley.

Spaeny’s first callback with Sofia Coppola was for The Little Mermaid, which did not end up getting made. However, this experience led to further opportunities. In 2017, Spaeny auditioned for The Beguiled, but the role did not work out. Despite the setbacks, Spaeny admired Coppola’s work, especially for the way she portrayed young women in her films.

Through her persistence and talent, Spaeny eventually landed the role of Priscilla Presley after meeting with Coppola in New York. The actress, who will also be in the second season of Netflix’s Beef, was filming Civil War at the time. Kirsten Dunst, a frequent collaborator of Coppola, gave Spaeny tips on how to acclimate to Coppola’s set, which was a stark contrast to the war film they had just finished.

In 2014, Coppola was developing a live-action version of The Little Mermaid, based on the darker original fairy tale. The project fell through when a studio executive questioned its appeal to older men. Despite the disappointment, Coppola’s unique vision and storytelling style continued to attract talented actors like Spaeny.

Spaeny’s journey to landing the role of Priscilla Presley is a testament to her dedication and resilience in the face of rejection. Working with Coppola and other experienced actors provided her with valuable lessons and insights into the industry. Spaeny’s story is a reminder that success often comes after overcoming multiple obstacles and setbacks.

Cailee Spaeny’s path to portraying Priscilla Presley in a film alongside Jacob Elordi showcases the importance of perseverance and determination in the competitive world of acting. Despite early setbacks and missed opportunities, Spaeny continued to hone her craft and eventually landed a breakout role that has garnered her critical acclaim. With her talent and work ethic, Spaeny is sure to have a successful career ahead of her in the entertainment industry.