Priscilla Presley Reveals Matthew McConaughey’s ‘Southern Voice’ Is Why He Was Cast As ‘Agent Elvis’

Mar 10, 2023 by apost team

Matthew McConaughey is an American actor who first gained attention in the 1993 comedy "Dazed and Confused." He went on to excel in many other supporting roles in films, including "Angels in the Outfield." His first leading role came in 1996 when he starred in "A Time to Kill." Following this, McConaughey starred in films of many different genres throughout the late '90s, which showed his range as an actor. 

One particular genre in that he excelled was romantic comedies. This genre dominated the films he starred in throughout the 2000s. Some of his more popular films were "The Wedding Planner," "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days," "Failure to Launch" and "Fool's Gold." Playing a romantic lead so many times established McConaughey as a Hollywood heartthrob. 

Starting in 2011 with "The Lincoln Lawyer," McConaughey began appearing in more dramatic films. In 2013 he received critical success playing the role of Ron Woodroof in "Dallas Buyers Club." 

Because of his innate talent and iconic charm, it is unsurprising that he would be cast in big roles portraying high-profile people. In 2023, McConaughey was cast in the upcoming adult animated action-comedy series “Agent Elvis,” as the voice actor portraying the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley. 

Priscilla Presley, the ex-wife of Elvis, was actually one of the people who approved the casting decision of McConaughey in the new upcoming series. In an interview, Priscilla explained what made her decide to choose the decorated actor for the role. 

Read on to learn more about the process of how McConaughey was cast in his first role as Elvis. 

Ordered as a series in 2019, on the 42nd anniversary of the death of the music icon, Netflix, along with Priscilla and John Eddie, teamed up to create the upcoming adult comedy-action series “Agent Elvis.”

According to the series’ description on Netflix, the King of Rock and Roll "trades in his white jumpsuit for a jet pack when he is covertly inducted into a secret government spy program to help battle the dark forces that threaten the country he loves — all while holding down his day job as the King of Rock And Roll."

At the time, Priscilla said in a statement to Variety that from the time Elvis was still a young boy; he had always dreamed of being a crime-fighting superhero that saves the world. 

“Agent King lets him do just that,” she continued. “My co-creator John Eddie and I are so excited to be working with Netflix and Sony Animation on this amazing project and getting the chance to show the world an Elvis they haven’t seen before.”

On Feb. 6, 2023, The Hollywood Reporter said in an article that Academy Award winner McConaughey will be taking on his biggest animated role yet, as he was announced to be playing the character. In the show’s teaser, McConaughey proved that he deserved the role, showcasing his best interpretation of the King’s voice ever. 

"Every once in a while, man accomplishes the impossible," McConaughey narrated in the teaser. "All it takes is someone with a dream — 'cause when a man dreams, he can change the world."

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In a tweet on Feb. 10, 2023, Priscilla shared the announcement of the famed actor joining the cast as Elvis. 

“So excited to have Matthew McConaughey bringing his cool swagger to the role of Agent Elvis in our upcoming Netflix animated series! Elvis would’ve loved this! Alright Alright Alright!” she said.

Not only will McConaughey be voicing Elvis, but he will also be executive producing the show. 

Priscilla, one of the show’s executive producers and co-creators, revealed to People Magazine the reason why she, along with the other creators, gave McConaughey the role despite discussing other actors for it. 

"Obviously he has a great voice. He has that Southern voice. A deep voice,” she admitted. "He's such a professional and he would do a great job speaking for Elvis. He has a Southern drawl, and Elvis did too in many ways."

True enough, Priscilla was right – McConaughey was born in Uvalde, Texas. He even attended the University of Texas in Austin. 

Fans took to Priscilla’s Instagram post to express their excitement to see McConaughey’s performance on the small screen. 

“This looks absolutely crazy. And I’m here for it. I’ll definitely be watching, it looks fun,” a fan commented. 

“Elvis would be so proud to actually be the comic book hero,” another shared. 

“’I’m looking forward to seeing it. I know Priscilla will be fabulous,” someone said. 

“Agent Elvis?? Elvis would have got a total kick out of that!! But Matthew McConaughey doesn't sound at all like Elvis!! It should still be fun To watch,” a user posted. 

Aside from McConaughey, Priscilla will also be a voice actor on the show, playing herself. “Agent Elvis” premieres on March 17, 2023, on Netflix. 

Do you agree with Priscilla Presley’s decision? Do you think Matthew McConaughey will do well as Elvis Presley? Who are your other choices to voice Elvis Presley? Let us know, and pass this on to other Elvis and McConaughey fans!