Who is Austin Butler? The upcoming star cast in Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis Presley film
Austin Butler has been cast in a career-making film role as he’s set to play the late Elvis Presley in Baz Luhrmann’s upcoming film which will have Tom Hanks as Presley’s longtime manager.
The film’s timeline will span 20 years, from Presley's rise to fame to his unprecedented stardom, against the backdrop of the evolving cultural landscape and the loss of innocence in America”, according to The Independent.
The plan for filming is set to start in early 2020 to accommodate Hanks’ schedule, according to Variety, which means that there’s a release date of October 1, 2021.
Butler, 27, beat out Harry Styles, Miles Teller and Ansel Elgort for the role, but no one knows that much about him.
Butler started out on networks such as Nickelodeon and Disney Channel in the early 2000s, but has recently starred alongside Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio in the blockbuster Once Upon a Time… In Hollywood. It was directed by Quentin Tarantino.
He is currently dating Vanessa Hudgens and has done so since 2011.
Butler couldn’t be more thrilled about being cast for the role.
“I am just profoundly honoured that Baz has invited me on this journey with him,” Butler told Entertainment Tonight.
“It’s an extraordinary privilege. And I just feel so blessed to be working with such singular directors like him and Quentin Tarantino.”
Luhrmann was quick to release a statement about Butler’s casting.
“I knew I couldn't make this film if the casting wasn't absolutely right, and we searched thoroughly for an actor with the ability to evoke the singular natural movement and vocal qualities of this peerless star, but also the inner vulnerability of the artist.
“Throughout the casting process, it was an honour for me to encounter such a vast array of talent.”