Austin Butleradmitted that his acclaimed portrayal of Elvis Presley, in Baz Luhrmann’s 2022 filmElvis, led him to seek professional help to return to his own voice. Butler found himself so immersed in the role that the line between his and Elvis' vocal cadence blurred.
During his appearance onThe Late Show with Stephen Colbert, where he discussed his role in the Apple TV+ miniseriesMasters of the Air, Butler shared his experience of hiring a dialect coach. This move was essential for him to disentangle his personal identity from the iconic singer’s voice. Butler revealed the extent to which he had internalized the character of Elvis during the three-year period of filming. Butler admitted:
“It was a lot. I was just trying to remember who I was. I was trying to remember what I liked to do. All I thought about was Elvis for three years…I had a dialect coach just to help menot sound like Elvis in that [project].”
Director Baz Luhrmann has teased the possibility of an extended four-hour cut ofElvis, following the success of the theatrical version and its performance on HBO Max. Luhrmann mentioned the potential of revisiting the film in the future, albeit not immediately. He explained the intricacies involved in producing an extended cut, emphasizing the considerable effort and resources required for such a project.
Austin Butler’s Best Performances, Ranked
From The Carrie Diaries to Elvis, these are Austin Butler’s best performances, ranked.
Luhrmann’s consideration for an extended version ofElvisechoes his previous work onAustralia, which he recut into the Hulu seriesFaraway Downs. However, he remains cautious, aware of the fervent demand from fans for the extended cut ofElvis. Luhrmann underscored the business considerations behind such decisions. Luhrmann elaborated:
“But it’s done so well on HBO Max over the weekend, so it’s about the parent company going, ‘Wow, it’s really worth spending the money.”
Austin Butler Faces New Challenges from Elvis to Dun: Part Two’s Feyd-Rautha
Butler’s journey into the heart of one character has not halted his progress into another. He is set to appear in the much-anticipatedDune: Part Two,taking on the role of Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen, a pivotal adversary to Timothee Chalamet’s Paul Atreides. His approach to this new character reflects the same intensity and dedication he showed inElvis.
In an interview withInterviewMagazine, Butler expressed the immense pressure he feels, regardless of the role. Butler said:
“I felt that when I was 12 years old. Even if the material doesn’t really require it, I feel I need to do the best that I possibly can. That sets a bar, and then I’m always afraid that I’m going to miss something. With Dune it was interesting, because I met with Denis [Villeneuve], and we got along very well, and started talking about the character. At that point, we didn’t even have a script, but as we started talking about Feyd, my imagination started running, and I started to feel the terror of the challenge. That’s what I’m guided by now: What really scares me?”
Dune: Part Two is set to be released on July 27, 2025.
Austin Butler’s rise to prominence, marked by his transformative performance as Elvis Presley and his upcoming role inDune: Part Two, showcases his remarkable ability to delve deeply into diverse characters. His dedication to his craft, evident in his willingness to seek professional guidance to reclaim his own voice, and his fearless approach to challenging roles, mark him as a distinctive and compelling presence in the cinematic landscape.
