Irish actor Jonathan Rhys-Meyers is to play Elvis Presley in a new miniseries on US television.
'Elvis' will be aired on CBS in the US, and also stars 'Scream' actress Rose McGowan as Elvis' 'Viva Las Vegas' co-star Ann-Margret and Randy Quaid as his manager, Colonel Tom Parker.
According to the miniseries' producer, Howard Braunstein, Rhys-Meyers was chosen for his uncanny resemblance to the music legend.
"He was the first person I'd ever thought of for the role," said Braunstein. "I watched 'Bend It Like Beckham' and when you see him, you just say, 'He is Elvis'."
"He has the physical look and the style that embodies Elvis, both the sweetness and the sex appeal," he added.
Rhys-Meyers reportedly sent the makers of the miniseries a tape of himself dressed up as and impersonating Elvis.
"It was uncanny - the voice sounded so authentic," said Braunstein.
Rhys-Meyers will next be seen on Irish cinema screens opposite Reese Witherspoon in 'Vanity Fair'; it opens on 15 January.
