While on location in Australia for pre-production of the Baz Luhrmann-directed biopic about Elvis Presley, Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson were diagnosed with the coronavirus (COVID-19). Hanks, who plays Presley’s infamous manager Col. Tom Parker in the new film, confirmed the news in a statement (via Deadline).
“Hello, folks. Rita and I are down here in Australia. We felt a bit
tired, like we had colds, and some body aches. Rita had some chills
that came and went. Slight fevers too. To play things right, as is
needed in the world right now, we were tested for the Coronavirus,
and were found to be positive.Well, now. What to do next? The Medical Officials have protocols that
must be followed. We Hanks’ will be tested, observed, and isolated for
as long as public health and safety requires. Not much more to it than
a one-day-at-a-time approach, no?We’ll keep the world posted and updated.
Take care of yourselves!”
Warner Bros. released a statement regarding the situation:
“We have been made aware that a company member from our Elvis feature
film, which is currently in pre-production in the Gold Coast,
Australia, has tested positive for COVID-19 (coronavirus).We are working closely with the appropriate Australian health agencies
to identify and contact anyone who may have come in direct contact
with the individual. The health and safety of our company members is
always our top priority, and we are taking precautions to protect
everyone who works on our productions around the world.The individual who tested positive for COVID-19 is currently receiving
treatment.”