… Its happening, he adds with brio.
Elliott and his associates saw a way of enticing the straight audience as well.
Elliott says that for years he was resistant to making a follow-up film.
(L-R) The 1994 movie ‘Priscilla, Queen of the Desert’ and ‘Bridgerton’ actor Luke Thompson (inset)Gramercy /courtesy Everett Collection; Johan Persson/RSC
I just was not sure, I just didnt want to repeat myself, he stressed.
I thought, what am I going to do?
Stick them on a cruise ship, stick them on a train?
(L-R) Terence Stamp, Hugo Weaving and Guy Pearce in 1994’s ‘Priscilla, Queen of the Desert’Gramercy Pictures / courtesy Everett Collection
You name it, over the years Ive been pitchedPriscilla 2in spades.
Their passing hit Elliott hard, but his fond memories of them spurred his creativity.
I was writing and configuring after dad died in early 2020, he says.
Then mum died in early 2023.
It was a tough one, and so I finally realized that I do have something to write about.
Ticks character in the 1994 film had a 7-year-old son.
Well, hes grown up now, says Elliott.
Therefore Ive written in a bunch of new characters to support a new generation.
He says the new movie will feature old disco classics, but well be moving into contemporary as well.
It has a 4 a.m. liquor license, so what weve done now is just add alcohol.
Weve got to move with the times, he adds.
PolyGram backed and propelled the original film and Gramercy distributed it; both entities have folded.
Al Clark was the pictures producer and Rebel Penford-Russell was an executive producer.
Actually, as soon as possible.
It surfaced at a property in New South Wales but was damaged by wildfire and floods.
I dont know how it survived but we have a plan, says Elliott.
Dont worry, the bus will feature.
He will serve as director, writer and producer, though he intends to partner with another producer.
Elliott spoke with me after I reached him at his home in Portugal.
He would love to welcome back original creatives, but it has to do with their availability.
The Oscar-winningPriscillacostumiers Tim Chappel and Lizzy Gardiner also collaborated with Elliott onPriscilla the Party!
The aim is to shoot both on-location and in a virtual production studio.
Hampshire will play Helena, Maurices wife.
But we need to get going, says McAuliffe.
The choice of play was smart.
For starters it made sense to open with a Shakespeare.
Would have been a bit daft to present a Noel Coward.
And that its one of the Bards lighter works rather then one of his tragedies is a good thing.
Theres time enough in future seasons for heavies like Lear and Macbeth.
Thompson also shows off his romantic chops to good effect in Season 3 ofBridgerton.
