A new Netflix documentary, Return of the King: The Fall & Rise of Elvis Presley, offers fans a behind-the-scenes look at Elvis’s life, focusing on his frustrations with Hollywood and his iconic 1968 comeback. Featuring never-before-seen clips and interviews with Priscilla Presley and Jerry Schilling, it reveals the King’s struggles and determination to reinvent himself.
Elvis had grown frustrated with formulaic Hollywood musicals and feared performing after a seven-year hiatus. The documentary shows his anxiety before returning to the stage and how he transformed his image with a now-iconic black leather outfit inspired by Marlon Brando.
The 1968 comeback special revitalized his career, restoring his artistry and dignity, though his potential as an actor remained unrealized. The film captures both his vulnerability and the boldness that cemented his legacy.