Before landing the role of Priscilla Presley in the upcoming film, Cailee Spaeny revealed that her first collaboration with Sofia Coppola was on a scrapped version of The Little Mermaid. She recalls her initial callback being for Coppola’s ambitious project, where she sent in a self-tape playing a dialogue-free mermaid. The experience was described as “very strange and avant-garde” in true Coppola fashion.
Spaeny and Coppola’s paths crossed again in 2017 when the actress auditioned for The Beguiled, but that didn’t pan out either. Despite the disappointments, Spaeny expressed her admiration for Sofia Coppola, especially as a young girl raised in a conservative environment. The director’s ability to take young girls seriously resonated with Spaeny on a personal level.
It was through these missed opportunities that Spaeny eventually landed her breakout role as Priscilla Presley in the 2023 film alongside Jacob Elordi as Elvis Presley. After meeting with Coppola and discussing the role over coffee in New York, Spaeny was thrilled to have been chosen for the part. The experience of working with Coppola came with its own set of challenges and rewards.
While filming Civil War alongside Kirsten Dunst, Spaeny received valuable advice on how to navigate Coppola’s set atmosphere. Dunst, who had previously worked with Coppola, emphasized the relaxed and chill environment that awaited Spaeny. After coming from a high-intensity film, this change of pace was a welcome shift for the actress.
In 2014, Coppola was developing a live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid, based on the original fairy tale rather than the Disney version. Unfortunately, the project fell through due to concerns about its appeal to older male audiences. This setback reflects the challenges faced by filmmakers in bringing unconventional stories to the screen.
Cailee Spaeny’s journey from missed opportunities to landing the role of Priscilla Presley is a testament to perseverance and a bit of luck. Working with directors like Sofia Coppola has shaped her as an actress and allowed her to grow in her craft. Despite the setbacks, Spaeny’s dedication to her art has finally paid off with a breakthrough role that is set to showcase her talent to a wider audience.