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'She barely knew her father': Internet divided over Lisa Marie Presley's 'concerns' about Sofia Coppola’s 'Priscilla' before her death

Lisa Marie's primary concern revolved around the notable age gap between her mother and Elvis

CALABASAS, CALIFORNIA:  The most recent Hollywood controversy swirls around Lisa Marie Presley and her strong resistance to Sofia Coppola's upcoming film, 'Priscilla,' a stance she maintained before her passing.

The controversy not only hinges on the film's depiction of her father, Elvis Presley, but also brings to light concerns about the dynamics within the Presley family.

A mere four months prior to her unfortunate passing from complications related to a small bowel obstruction, Lisa Marie was fervently conveying her apprehensions to Sofia about the script of the film.

Lisa Marie Presley's heartfelt concerns about 'Priscilla'

'Priscilla,' adapted from Priscilla Presley's 1985 memoir 'Elvis and Me,' explores the romantic relationship between the legendary couple, which began in Germany in 1959.

Lisa Marie's primary concern revolved around the notable age gap between her mother, Priscilla, who was only 14 years old at the time, and Elvis, who was 24.

In a heartfelt email sent to Sofia in September 2022, Lisa Marie expressed her distress, stating, "My father only comes across as a predator and manipulative. As his daughter, I don't read this and see any of my father in this character."

She also stated, "I don't read this and see my mother's perspective of my father. I read this and see your shockingly vengeful and contemptuous perspective, and I don't understand why?" reported Variety. 

Lisa Marie's apprehensions weren't limited to the potential harm to her father's image but also extended to the effect on her relationship with her mother and the well-being of Elvis's grandchildren.

The family had already experienced a tragic loss when her son, Benjamin Keough, died by suicide in 2020, reportedly struggling with substance abuse.

In her emails, Lisa Marie expressed her concerns further, stating, “I am worried that my mother isn’t seeing the nuance here or realizing the way in which Elvis will be perceived when this movie comes out, I feel protective over my mother who has spent her whole life elevating my father’s legacy."

She also noted, "I am concerned that she may not grasp the underlying motives of this film or the consequences it will bring about. I am worried she doesn’t understand the intentions behind this film or the outcome it will have.”

Lisa Marie Presley's public condemnation threat and Sofia Coppola's plea for understanding

Furthermore, Lisa Marie had taken the bold measure of issuing a public condemnation threat regarding the project. She expressed, “I will be forced to be in a position where I will have to openly say how I feel about the film and go against you, my mother and this film publicly," she wrote.

However, Sofia responded to Lisa Marie's concerns with reassurances, stating, “I hope that when you see the final film you will feel differently, and understand I’m taking great care in honoring your mother, while also presenting your father with sensitivity and complexity.”

Netizens refuse to rally behind Lisa Marie Presley's stand

Nevertheless, the online community refused to support Lisa Marie's stance. A user tweeted, "Do we expect someone who only knew their father until 9 y/o not to be defensive and in denial about bad things their deceased dad was responsible for? Do we need them not to be? Best to just quietly recognize that she's likely not the best source of info and leave her be."

Another added, "After seeing the film, I think it made Elvis seem like more of a human being rather than a god-like, superstar. he was a flawed individual, that had struggles and made mistakes. the film shows us the real Elvis that Priscilla knew and loved, without erasing the bad." 

One fan claimed, "She barely knew her father. Also, the film is based on a book by her mother."

Another user claimed, "If Elvis was so bad, why does Priscilla want to be buried next to him? Why does she call him the love of my life after? Hadn’t dropped the Presley name!, this is her side! After Elvis passed, not before!" 

"I think the mother would have a more accurate understanding of what Elvis was like in their relationship vs her daughter that was only 9 when Elvis died," stated a user