Eric Bana and Danny Huston to play the leads in Elvis & Nixon

The comedy will mark the feature directorial debut of Cary Elwes (THE PRINCESS BRIDE), and is set to star Eric Bana (HANNA) as ‘The King’ Elvis Presley and Danny Huston (WRATH OF THE TITANS) as former prez Richard Nixon.

The film “tells the story about Elvis Presley visiting President Richard M. Nixon at the White House in December of 1970. The meeting was initiated by Presley, who wrote Nixon a six-page letter requesting a visit and suggesting that he be made a ‘Federal Agent-at-Large’ in the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs. Presley brought with him family photos and a Colt 45 pistol as a personal gift to the President.”

Here’s the full press release for your perusal:

Los Angeles, CA (November 8, 2011) – K5 International, a division of K5 Media Group has picked up international rights to Benaroya Pictures’ ELVIS & NIXON. The comedy will mark Cary Elwes’ directorial debut and stars Eric Bana as Elvis Presley and Danny Huston as Richard Nixon. ELVIS & NIXON is produced by Michael Benaroya of Benaroya Pictures and Holly Wiersma. Bana’s Pick Up Truck Productions is executive producing, marking the company’s first U.S. production.

ELVIS & NIXON tells the story about Elvis Presley visiting President Richard M. Nixon at the White House in December of 1970. The meeting was initiated by Presley, who wrote Nixon a six-page letter requesting a visit and suggesting that he be made a ‘Federal Agent-at-Large’ in the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs. Presley brought with him family photos and a Colt 45 pistol as a personal gift to the President.

K5 co-founders Oliver Simon and Daniel Baur said “We’re thrilled to be working with Michael having known him for a while now. He has fantastic taste and a remarkable eye for talent and truly original material.”

Benaroya said “We are excited to be in business with Oliver and Daniel and look forward to working with them as we bring the film to the global marketplace.” Carl Clifton Partner in Sales and Marketing, added “We fell quickly and totally in love with this project. It’s distinctive, fresh and very funny. You couldn’t make it up.” Elwes, Joey Sagal and Hanala Sagal wrote the screenplay. The production will commence principal photography in Shreveport and Los Angeles.

Benaroya Pictures’ MARGIN CALL was recently released by Roadside Attractions and opened to rave reviews and has expanded theatrically nationwide to earn impressive box-office numbers.The film stars Kevin Spacey, Paul Bettany, Jeremy Irons, Zachary Quinto, Simon Baker, Penn Badgley, Demi Moore, and Stanley Tucci. Benaroya recently completed production on THE WORDS starring Bradley Cooper, Zoe Saldana, Olivia Wilde, Jeremy Irons, and Dennis Quaid. The Weinstein Co. recently acquired Benaroya’s THE WETTEST COUNTY IN THE WORLD and is preparing for a Spring 2012 release.