Why Elvis channeled Marlon Brando in iconic leather look

For Elvis Presley fans, a new Netflix documentary offers a revealing glimpse into the King’s life, packed with untold stories, personal insights, and the truth behind one of his greatest moments.

Return of the King: The Fall & Rise of Elvis Presley focuses on his legendary 1968 NBC Comeback Special, the performance that revived his fading career and reshaped his lasting image.

By the mid-1960s, Elvis was weary and frustrated. Hollywood pushed him into shallow musicals instead of serious acting roles like his peers Marlon Brando or James Dean. Reduced to singing “Old MacDonald” in Double Trouble, Elvis felt humiliated — a point Priscilla Presley emphasizes in the film.

Director Jason Hehir explains that the thought of more empty films made Elvis “physically ill.” His only wish was to return to music. Still, after seven years off the stage, fear nearly kept him in his dressing room on the night of the special.

When he finally stepped out, dressed head-to-toe in black leather, Elvis reclaimed his crown. The iconic look, designed by Bill Belew and inspired by a Harley Davidson photo, became one of rock’s most unforgettable images.

Despite the heat and intense lights, Elvis radiated confidence, charisma, and rebellion. The comeback show drew massive TV audiences, while its soundtrack climbed into Billboard’s Top 10, marking his triumphant return.

More than a concert, the 1968 special became a rebirth. Decades after his passing, Elvis proves that true legends never fade — they rise again.